Gaboon Viper Caterpillar Moth vs Vine Hawk Moth
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Gaboon Viper Caterpillar Moth | Vine Hawk Moth |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Lobobunaea phaedusa | Hippotion velox |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Saturniidae | Sphingidae |
| Size | 90-120 mm wingspan | 55-70 mm |
| Habitat | Forests | Woodlands |
| Diet | Wood Feeders | Nectar Feeders |
| Regions | Central Africa (Cameroon, Gabon, DRC, Congo) | Africa, South Asia, Southeast Asia, Australia |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Gaboon Viper Caterpillar Moth
A large saturniid moth with rich brown and reddish-purple wings bearing prominent eye-spots. The caterpillars are spectacularly spined and brightly colored. Adults do not feed and rely entirely on energy stored during the larval stage.
Did You Know?
The caterpillars have stinging spines that can cause severe skin irritation, protecting them from most predators.
Vine Hawk Moth
A sleek olive-brown hawk moth with a distinctive pale dorsal stripe. It is widespread across Africa and Asia, and is one of the most commonly encountered sphingids in Australia.
Did You Know?
Hippotion velox is one of the most common hawk moths encountered in Australian suburban gardens, where it is attracted to outdoor lights.