Darling Underwing vs Lunar Hornet Moth
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Darling Underwing | Lunar Hornet Moth |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Catocala cara | Sesia bembeciformis |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Erebidae | Sesiidae |
| Size | 75-90 mm wingspan | 30–42 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Woodlands | Rivers & Streams |
| Diet | Sap Feeders | Omnivores |
| Regions | Eastern North America from Canada to the southeastern United States | Europe, Western Asia |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Not Evaluated |
Darling Underwing
A large underwing moth with cryptic gray-brown forewings and striking pinkish-red hindwings banded with black. It is commonly attracted to sugaring baits.
Did You Know?
Its Latin name cara means 'darling' or 'beloved,' referencing the beautiful pink hindwings hidden under its bark-like forewings.
Lunar Hornet Moth
A large clearwing moth that mimics a hornet and bores into willow and sallow trunks. Adults emerge in midsummer and are active in sunshine.
Did You Know?
The empty pupal skin can be found protruding from the exit hole on willow trunks long after the moth has emerged.