Cabbage Tree Emperor Moth vs Willowherb Hawk Moth

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Cabbage Tree Emperor Moth Willowherb Hawk Moth
Scientific Name Bunaea alcinoe Proserpinus proserpina
Order Lepidoptera Lepidoptera
Family Saturniidae Sphingidae
Size 100-160 mm wingspan 36-46 mm
Habitat Underground Rivers & Streams
Diet Omnivores Nectar Feeders
Regions Sub-Saharan Africa Central and southern Europe, North Africa, western Asia
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Cabbage Tree Emperor Moth

A large emperor moth with reddish-brown wings bearing prominent eyespots. Larvae are gregarious and covered in branching spines.

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Did You Know?

In parts of southern Africa, the large protein-rich caterpillars are harvested and eaten as mopane worm alternatives.

Willowherb Hawk Moth

A compact hawk moth with olive-green forewings and bright orange hindwings with a dark border. It flies at dusk and is found in damp habitats across southern and central Europe.

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Did You Know?

This species is listed in Annex IV of the EU Habitats Directive, making it legally protected across the European Union.