Indianmeal Moth vs Pine Hawk-moth

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Indianmeal Moth Pine Hawk-moth
Scientific Name Plodia interpunctella Sphinx pinastri
Order Lepidoptera Lepidoptera
Family Pyralidae Sphingidae
Size 16-20 mm wingspan 70-87 mm wingspan
Habitat Gardens Farmland
Diet Fruit Feeders Omnivores
Regions Worldwide Europe, temperate Asia
Conservation Not Evaluated Least Concern

Indianmeal Moth

The most common stored-product moth pest, recognized by its two-toned wings with copper outer halves. Larvae spin silk webbing over food surfaces as they feed.

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Did You Know?

Its common name comes from a report of it feeding on cornmeal, or 'Indian meal,' not from any connection to India.

Pine Hawk-moth

A sleek grey hawk-moth with dark streaks that provide perfect camouflage against pine bark. It is strongly associated with conifer plantations and native pinewoods.

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Did You Know?

When resting on a pine trunk, its streamlined body and bark-like colouring make it almost impossible to spot.