Frangipani Hawk Moth vs Long-legged Oil Bee

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Frangipani Hawk Moth Long-legged Oil Bee
Scientific Name Pseudosphinx tetrio Rediviva longimanus
Order Lepidoptera Hymenoptera
Family Sphingidae Melittidae
Size 100-140 mm 12-15 mm
Habitat Beaches & Coastal Heathland
Diet Nectar Feeders Nectar Feeders
Regions Southern United States, Caribbean, Central America, South America South Africa
Conservation Least Concern Data Deficient

Frangipani Hawk Moth

A large gray hawk moth whose larvae are among the most spectacular caterpillars in the world, with bold black and yellow banding and a bright red head. It is common throughout the tropics.

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Did You Know?

The frangipani caterpillar's vivid warning coloration and ability to sequester toxic alkaloids from its host plant make it one of the most conspicuous and well-defended caterpillars in the Americas.

Long-legged Oil Bee

An extraordinary South African bee whose front legs are nearly twice its body length, the longest of any bee relative to body size. It uses these to collect oils from long-spurred flowers.

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Did You Know?

The coevolution between its leg length and Diascia spur length is one of the most famous examples of a pollination arms race.