Common Sootywing vs Carolina Sphinx Moth
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Common Sootywing | Carolina Sphinx Moth |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Pholisora catullus | Manduca sexta |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Hesperiidae | Sphingidae |
| Size | 22-28 mm wingspan | 95-120 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Gardens | Farmland |
| Diet | Nectar Feeders | Nectar Feeders |
| Regions | United States and southern Canada | Throughout the Americas from southern Canada to South America |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Common Sootywing
A very small sooty-black skipper with scattered tiny white spots on the forewings. It is a common but easily overlooked butterfly of disturbed habitats and gardens.
Did You Know?
It thrives in weedy urban areas that most butterflies avoid, making it a true butterfly of the city.
Carolina Sphinx Moth
A large gray sphinx moth whose caterpillar, the tobacco hornworm, is a well-known pest of tomato and tobacco plants. The adult has six pairs of orange spots on its abdomen.
Did You Know?
It is one of the most studied insects in biology, serving as a key model organism for research on insect physiology and neuroscience.