Giant Tachinid Fly vs Blackburn's Sphinx Moth

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute	Giant Tachinid Fly	Blackburn's Sphinx Moth
Scientific Name	Tachina grossa	Manduca blackburni
Order	Diptera	Lepidoptera
Family	Tachinidae	Sphingidae
Size	12-18 mm	100-120 mm wingspan
Habitat	Heathland	Heathland
Diet	Nectar Feeders	Nectar Feeders
Regions	Europe, Asia	Oceania (Hawaii)
Conservation	Least Concern	Endangered

Giant Tachinid Fly

The largest tachinid fly in Europe, covered in dense black bristles. It parasitizes large moth caterpillars and is often seen on flowers in late summer.

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Did You Know?

Despite its intimidating bee-like appearance, it is completely harmless to humans.

Blackburn's Sphinx Moth

The largest native insect in Hawaii, this sphinx moth has a wingspan up to 120 mm. It was once widespread across the islands but is now extremely rare due to habitat loss and invasive species. Its larvae originally fed on native aiea trees but now also use introduced tobacco.

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Did You Know?

This moth has adapted to feed on introduced tobacco plants, a relative of its native host, which may have helped prevent its extinction.