Black Cutworm vs Yam Hawk Moth
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Black Cutworm | Yam Hawk Moth |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Agrotis ipsilon | Theretra oldenlandiae |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Noctuidae | Sphingidae |
| Size | 40-55 mm wingspan | 50-65 mm |
| Habitat | Indoors | Underground |
| Diet | Seed Feeders | Nectar Feeders |
| Regions | Worldwide | South Asia, Southeast Asia, East Asia, Australia |
| Conservation | Not Evaluated | Least Concern |
Black Cutworm
A dull brown moth whose soil-dwelling caterpillars sever young seedlings at ground level during the night. It is a cosmopolitan pest that migrates long distances.
Did You Know?
Cutworm caterpillars curl into a C-shape when disturbed, a diagnostic behavior for identifying them in soil.
Yam Hawk Moth
A widespread tropical hawk moth with olive-brown forewings and contrasting dark and light lateral body stripes. Its larvae feed on a wide variety of plants including yams and grape vines.
Did You Know?
This species is one of the most polyphagous hawk moths, with larvae recorded feeding on plants from more than a dozen different families.