Gold Swift vs Yam Hawk Moth
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Gold Swift | Yam Hawk Moth |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Phymatopus hecta | Theretra oldenlandiae |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Hepialidae | Sphingidae |
| Size | 25-35 mm wingspan | 50-65 mm |
| Habitat | Heathland | Underground |
| Diet | Root Feeders | Nectar Feeders |
| Regions | Europe | South Asia, Southeast Asia, East Asia, Australia |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Gold Swift
A small primitive moth with golden-brown forewings marked with silvery-white spots. Males perform hovering display flights at dusk, dangling their legs and releasing pheromones.
Did You Know?
Larvae feed underground on bracken roots for two years before pupating in the soil.
Yam Hawk Moth
A widespread tropical hawk moth with olive-brown forewings and contrasting dark and light lateral body stripes. Its larvae feed on a wide variety of plants including yams and grape vines.
Did You Know?
This species is one of the most polyphagous hawk moths, with larvae recorded feeding on plants from more than a dozen different families.