Blinded Sphinx Moth vs Japanese Luna Moth

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Blinded Sphinx Moth Japanese Luna Moth
Scientific Name Paonias excaecata Actias gnoma
Order Lepidoptera Lepidoptera
Family Sphingidae Saturniidae
Size 55-80 mm 80-110 mm wingspan
Habitat Woodlands Forests
Diet Omnivores Herbivores
Regions North America East Asia, Japan
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.

Japanese Luna Moth

A smaller Japanese moon moth known as 'o-mizuao-ga,' with elegant pale green wings and long tail streamers. Found in mountain forests of Japan, appearing in early summer.

💡

Did You Know?

The delicate trailing tails on the hindwings spin in flight, creating acoustic confusion that diverts echolocating bats away from the moth's vital body.