Giant Petaltail vs Snowberry Clearwing
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Giant Petaltail | Snowberry Clearwing |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Petalura gigantea | Hemaris diffinis |
| Order | Odonata | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Petaluridae | Sphingidae |
| Size | 100-110 mm wingspan | 32-50 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Underground | Underground |
| Diet | Predators | Nectar Feeders |
| Regions | Oceania | North America |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Giant Petaltail
One of the largest dragonflies in Australia and a living fossil belonging to the most ancient dragonfly family. Its larvae live in boggy ground rather than open water.
Did You Know?
Giant petaltails belong to the family Petaluridae, which has fossil records dating back over 150 million years, making them living fossils among dragonflies.
Snowberry Clearwing
A bumblebee mimic with largely transparent wings bordered in dark brown, a fuzzy olive thorax, and black and yellow banding on the abdomen. It feeds while hovering at flowers.
Did You Know?
This moth is born with scales on its wings but they fall off during the first flight, leaving the characteristic clear windows.