Hawk Moth (Australian Privet Hawk Moth) vs Malabar Large White

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Hawk Moth (Australian Privet Hawk Moth) Malabar Large White
Scientific Name Psilogramma menephron Pieris brassicae mahometana
Order Lepidoptera Lepidoptera
Family Sphingidae Pieridae
Size 100-120 mm wingspan 55-65 mm wingspan
Habitat Woodlands Forests
Diet Nectar Feeders Herbivores
Regions Australia, Oceania Western Ghats, India
Conservation Least Concern Endangered

Hawk Moth (Australian Privet Hawk Moth)

One of Australia's largest hawk moths, with a robust grey body and intricately patterned wings that provide superb camouflage on tree bark. The large green caterpillars have a distinctive tail horn.

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Did You Know?

Hawk moth caterpillars rear up and vibrate their bodies when threatened, making them appear larger and more intimidating.

Malabar Large White

A rare subspecies of the Large White butterfly endemic to the Western Ghats of India. Found only in high-altitude forests. Threatened by habitat degradation.

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Did You Know?

A high-altitude relict population isolated in the Western Ghats since the last ice age.