Blinded Sphinx Moth vs Dark-barred Twin-spot Carpet

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Blinded Sphinx Moth Dark-barred Twin-spot Carpet
Scientific Name Paonias excaecata Xanthorhoe ferrugata
Order Lepidoptera Lepidoptera
Family Sphingidae Geometridae
Size 55-80 mm 22-28 mm wingspan
Habitat Woodlands Woodlands
Diet Omnivores Herbivores
Regions North America Europe
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Blinded Sphinx Moth

A bark-patterned hawk moth with brown forewings and blue hindwing eyespots that lack the central pupil found in related species, giving it the name 'blinded.' It is widespread in North America.

💡

Did You Know?

Its name 'excaecata' means 'blinded' in Latin, referring to the pupil-less eyespots that distinguish it from the closely related eyed hawk moth.

Dark-barred Twin-spot Carpet

A common but variable carpet moth found in gardens and hedgerows. Wing pattern ranges from pale to very dark. Larvae feed on bedstraws and other low plants.

💡

Did You Know?

So variable in appearance that dark and light forms were once described as separate species.