Eyed Hawk-moth vs Tasmanian Giant Stonefly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Eyed Hawk-moth Tasmanian Giant Stonefly
Scientific Name Smerinthus ocellatus Eusthenia spectabilis
Order Lepidoptera Plecoptera
Family Sphingidae Eustheniidae
Size 70-95 mm wingspan 30-50 mm
Habitat Rivers & Streams Mountains
Diet Predators Predators
Regions Europe, temperate Asia Australia (Tasmania)
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.

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Did You Know?

The flash of its eyespots has been shown experimentally to startle birds into abandoning their attack.

Tasmanian Giant Stonefly

A spectacular large stonefly endemic to Tasmanian mountain streams with bold orange and black markings. Nymphs are among the largest aquatic insect larvae in Australia.

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Did You Know?

It belongs to an ancient Gondwanan family found only in Australia and South America.