Hornet Moth vs Brazilian Thorn Moth

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Hornet Moth Brazilian Thorn Moth
Scientific Name Sesia apiformis Cyanopepla huillensis
Order Lepidoptera Lepidoptera
Family Sesiidae Erebidae
Size 33-48 mm wingspan 35-50 mm wingspan
Habitat Rivers & Streams Forests
Diet Wood Feeders Nectar Feeders
Regions Europe, Asia South America (Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay)
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Hornet Moth

A clearwing moth that is a near-perfect mimic of the European hornet.

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Did You Know?

It even buzzes and moves its abdomen like a hornet when disturbed.

Brazilian Thorn Moth

A day-flying moth with brilliant metallic blue forewings and bright red or orange hindwings, warning predators of its toxicity. It mimics various toxic butterflies and wasps. Despite being a moth, it is active during daylight hours and visits flowers for nectar.

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Did You Know?

It is one of many day-flying moths in the Neotropics that are frequently mistaken for butterflies due to their bright colors and diurnal habits.