Dot Moth vs Pine Hawk-moth

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Dot Moth Pine Hawk-moth
Scientific Name Melanchra persicariae Sphinx pinastri
Order Lepidoptera Lepidoptera
Family Noctuidae Sphingidae
Size 38-48 mm wingspan 70-87 mm wingspan
Habitat Underground Farmland
Diet Wood Feeders Omnivores
Regions Europe, Central Asia Europe, temperate Asia
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Dot Moth

A dark bluish-black moth with a conspicuous white kidney-mark on each forewing. Its boldly marked appearance makes it easy to identify at light traps.

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Did You Know?

The white dot on its dark wings is so prominent it can be identified from several feet away.

Pine Hawk-moth

A sleek grey hawk-moth with dark streaks that provide perfect camouflage against pine bark. It is strongly associated with conifer plantations and native pinewoods.

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Did You Know?

When resting on a pine trunk, its streamlined body and bark-like colouring make it almost impossible to spot.