Hoary Edge Skipper vs Spurge Hawkmoth

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Hoary Edge Skipper Spurge Hawkmoth
Scientific Name Achalarus lyciades Hyles euphorbiae
Order Lepidoptera Lepidoptera
Family Hesperiidae Sphingidae
Size 37-47 mm wingspan 60-80 mm wingspan
Habitat Deserts & Drylands Farmland
Diet Omnivores Omnivores
Regions Eastern United States Europe, Central Asia
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Hoary Edge Skipper

A dark brown spread-wing skipper with a frosted white patch along the outer margin of the hindwing underside. Its fast darting flight makes it difficult to follow.

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Did You Know?

The name 'hoary edge' refers to the silvery-white frosted margin that distinguishes it from similar dark skippers.

Spurge Hawkmoth

A striking hawkmoth with olive and pink forewings and rosy-red hindwings with a black base. Its caterpillar is equally spectacular with red, black, yellow, and white markings.

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Did You Know?

It has been introduced to North America as a biological control agent for invasive leafy spurge.