Hawk Moth (Australian Privet Hawk Moth) vs Subarctic Dart Moth

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Hawk Moth (Australian Privet Hawk Moth) Subarctic Dart Moth
Scientific Name Psilogramma menephron Agrotis gelida
Order Lepidoptera Lepidoptera
Family Sphingidae Noctuidae
Size 100-120 mm wingspan 32-40 mm wingspan
Habitat Woodlands Tundra & Arctic
Diet Nectar Feeders Herbivores
Regions Australia, Oceania Alaska, northern Canada, subarctic Siberia
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

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.

Subarctic Dart Moth

A medium-sized moth with dark grayish-brown forewings marked with kidney and orbicular spots. It flies in midsummer across subarctic tundra. Larvae are typical cutworms that feed on low-growing tundra vegetation.

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Did You Know?

The larvae spend the harsh Arctic winter frozen in the soil, resuming feeding for only a few weeks each summer.