Introduced Pine Sawfly vs Lesser Death's-head Hawk Moth
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Introduced Pine Sawfly | Lesser Death's-head Hawk Moth |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Diprion similis | Acherontia styx |
| Order | Hymenoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Diprionidae | Sphingidae |
| Size | 7-10 mm (adult) | 80-115 mm |
| Habitat | Farmland | Farmland |
| Diet | Omnivores | Sap Feeders |
| Regions | Europe, North America | South Asia, Southeast Asia, East Asia |
| Conservation | Not Evaluated | Least Concern |
Introduced Pine Sawfly
A European sawfly introduced to North America that feeds on white pine and other five-needled pines. Larvae feed gregariously and can heavily defoliate trees.
Did You Know?
It was first detected in Connecticut in 1914 and quickly spread across northeastern North America.
Lesser Death's-head Hawk Moth
An Asian relative of the death's-head hawk moth, similarly marked with a skull pattern on the thorax. It is slightly smaller but equally capable of entering beehives to feed on honey.
Did You Know?
Like its European cousin, Acherontia styx can produce a squeaking sound by forcing air through its proboscis, which may mimic queen bee pheromones to pacify guard bees.