Cairns Birdwing vs Silver-striped Hawk Moth
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Cairns Birdwing | Silver-striped Hawk Moth |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Ornithoptera euphorion | Hippotion celerio |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Papilionidae | Sphingidae |
| Size | Wingspan 120-150mm | 60-80 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Underground | Orchards |
| Diet | Herbivores | Nectar Feeders |
| Regions | Oceania | East Africa (Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Ethiopia, Rwanda) |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Cairns Birdwing
Australias largest endemic butterfly with males displaying vivid green and black wings. Females are larger and brown with white markings.
Did You Know?
It is the largest butterfly in Australia and was nearly driven to extinction by introduced Dutchmans pipe vines which are toxic to its larvae.
Silver-striped Hawk Moth
A medium-sized hawk moth with olive-brown forewings and bright pink hindwings, featuring silver stripes along the body. It is a powerful migrant found throughout the tropics.
Did You Know?
Its caterpillars have prominent eyespots that make them look like small snakes to deter predators.