Common Clubtail vs Eyed Hawk-moth
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Common Clubtail | Eyed Hawk-moth |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Gomphus vulgatissimus | Smerinthus ocellatus |
| Order | Odonata | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Gomphidae | Sphingidae |
| Size | 50-55 mm wingspan | 70-95 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Rivers & Streams | Rivers & Streams |
| Diet | Predators | Predators |
| Regions | Europe | Europe, temperate Asia |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Common Clubtail
A medium-sized dragonfly with a club-shaped abdomen tip and distinctive yellow and black markings. It emerges en masse from rivers in late spring.
Did You Know?
Unlike most dragonflies, clubtails frequently perch on the ground or on flat surfaces rather than hanging from vegetation.
Eyed Hawk-moth
A large hawk-moth with cryptic brown forewings that conceal vivid blue and black eyespots on the hindwings. When startled, it flashes its eyespots to frighten predators.
Did You Know?
The flash of its eyespots has been shown experimentally to startle birds into abandoning their attack.