Eyed Hawk-moth vs Japanese Moon Moth
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Eyed Hawk-moth | Japanese Moon Moth |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Smerinthus ocellatus | Actias artemis |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Sphingidae | Saturniidae |
| Size | 70-95 mm wingspan | Wingspan 80-120 mm |
| Habitat | Rivers & Streams | Forests |
| Diet | Predators | Herbivores |
| Regions | Europe, temperate Asia | Japan |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Not Evaluated |
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.
Japanese Moon Moth
A delicate pale green moon moth with elegant hindwing tails found only in Japan. It flies during the brief early summer months in Japanese mountain forests.
Did You Know?
The Japanese call it "oo-mizuao" meaning "great water-blue," despite its green coloration.