Blood-red Cymothoe vs Hawk Moth (Australian Privet Hawk Moth)
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Blood-red Cymothoe | Hawk Moth (Australian Privet Hawk Moth) |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Cymothoe sangaris | Psilogramma menephron |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Nymphalidae | Sphingidae |
| Size | 55-70 mm wingspan | 100-120 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Forests | Woodlands |
| Diet | Blood Feeders | Nectar Feeders |
| Regions | Central Africa (Cameroon, Gabon, Congo, DRC) | Australia, Oceania |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Blood-red Cymothoe
A strikingly sexually dimorphic butterfly where males are vivid blood-red and females are brown with white bands. It is one of the most recognizable butterflies in Central African forests. Flight is relatively slow and gliding.
Did You Know?
The blood-red coloration of males is so vivid that early European explorers initially mistook them for a different species from the brown females.
Hawk Moth (Australian Privet Hawk Moth)
One of Australia's largest hawk moths, with a robust grey body and intricately patterned wings that provide superb camouflage on tree bark. The large green caterpillars have a distinctive tail horn.
Did You Know?
Hawk moth caterpillars rear up and vibrate their bodies when threatened, making them appear larger and more intimidating.