Blackburn's Sphinx Moth vs Asian Mud Dauber
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Blackburn's Sphinx Moth | Asian Mud Dauber |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Manduca blackburni | Sceliphron curvatum |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Hymenoptera |
| Family | Sphingidae | Sphecidae |
| Size | 100-120 mm wingspan | 15-25 mm |
| Habitat | Heathland | Underground |
| Diet | Nectar Feeders | Nectar Feeders |
| Regions | Oceania (Hawaii) | Central Asia, Europe |
| Conservation | Endangered | Least Concern |
Blackburn's Sphinx Moth
The largest native insect in Hawaii, this sphinx moth has a wingspan up to 120 mm. It was once widespread across the islands but is now extremely rare due to habitat loss and invasive species. Its larvae originally fed on native aiea trees but now also use introduced tobacco.
Did You Know?
This moth has adapted to feed on introduced tobacco plants, a relative of its native host, which may have helped prevent its extinction.
Asian Mud Dauber
A dark-bodied mud dauber originally from Central Asia now invasive across Europe. It builds mud nests inside buildings and provisions them with spiders.
Did You Know?
It spread from its native range in India and Central Asia to colonize most of southern and central Europe within just 30 years.