Eyed Hawk-moth vs Hagen's Dustywing

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Eyed Hawk-moth Hagen's Dustywing
Scientific Name Smerinthus ocellatus Coniopteryx hageniana
Order Lepidoptera Neuroptera
Family Sphingidae Coniopterygidae
Size 70-95 mm wingspan 3-4 mm wingspan
Habitat Rivers & Streams Orchards
Diet Predators Predators
Regions Europe, temperate Asia Europe
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.

Hagen's Dustywing

A minute dustywing found across Europe and known for its effectiveness against orchard mites. Easily overlooked due to its tiny size.

💡

Did You Know?

Despite being barely visible to the naked eye, it can consume dozens of mites per day.