Eyed Hawk-moth vs Budwing Mantis
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Eyed Hawk-moth | Budwing Mantis |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Smerinthus ocellatus | Parasphendale affinis |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Mantodea |
| Family | Sphingidae | Mantidae |
| Size | 70-95 mm wingspan | 40-60 mm |
| Habitat | Rivers & Streams | Heathland |
| Diet | Predators | Predators |
| Regions | Europe, temperate Asia | Africa |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
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.
Budwing Mantis
A sturdy, aggressive mantis from East Africa named for the bud-like wing stubs of the females, who are mostly flightless. Males are slender with full wings.
Did You Know?
Budwing mantises are among the most aggressive mantis species and have been observed attacking prey larger than themselves, including small lizards.