Frangipani Hawk Moth vs Postman Butterfly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Frangipani Hawk Moth | Postman Butterfly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Pseudosphinx tetrio | Heliconius melpomene |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Sphingidae | Nymphalidae |
| Size | 100-140 mm | Wingspan 55-80mm |
| Habitat | Beaches & Coastal | Forests |
| Diet | Nectar Feeders | Herbivores |
| Regions | Southern United States, Caribbean, Central America, South America | South America, North America |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
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.
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.
Postman Butterfly
A slender long-winged butterfly with black wings and a bold red band across the forewings. It is a classic example of Mullerian mimicry.
Did You Know?
It is one of the few butterflies that can digest pollen as well as nectar giving it amino acids that extend its lifespan to several months.