Blackburn's Sphinx Moth vs Banded Peacock

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute	Blackburn's Sphinx Moth	Banded Peacock
Scientific Name	Manduca blackburni	Papilio crino
Order	Lepidoptera	Lepidoptera
Family	Sphingidae	Papilionidae
Size	100-120 mm wingspan	Wingspan 80-100mm
Habitat	Heathland	Heathland
Diet	Nectar Feeders	Herbivores
Regions	Oceania (Hawaii)	Asia
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.

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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.

Banded Peacock

A stunning swallowtail with emerald green bands on velvety black wings. The hindwings have red and blue markings near the tail.

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Did You Know?

Unlike most swallowtails it prefers dry rocky habitats and can often be seen mud-puddling on hot rocks.