Gaudy Sphinx Moth vs San Jose Scale

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Gaudy Sphinx Moth San Jose Scale
Scientific Name Eumorpha labruscae Diaspidiotus perniciosus
Order Lepidoptera Hemiptera
Family Sphingidae Diaspididae
Size 85-120 mm 1-2 mm diameter
Habitat Orchards Orchards
Diet Nectar Feeders Fruit Feeders
Regions Southern United States, Central America, South America Worldwide temperate regions
Conservation Least Concern Not Evaluated

Gaudy Sphinx Moth

A spectacular hawk moth with blue-green and brown patterned forewings that create an extraordinary leafy camouflage. It is one of the most beautifully colored sphinx moths in the world.

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Did You Know?

When resting on a vine leaf, the gaudy sphinx moth is almost impossible to spot because its wing patterns perfectly replicate the colors and veining of a fresh leaf.

San Jose Scale

A tiny armored scale insect that forms gray encrustations on the bark and fruit of apple, pear, and stone fruit trees. It was one of the first pests to prompt quarantine legislation.

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Did You Know?

Its discovery in San Jose, California in 1880 led to the first plant quarantine law in the United States.