Iron Blue Dun vs Spurge Hawkmoth

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Iron Blue Dun Spurge Hawkmoth
Scientific Name Baetis muticus Hyles euphorbiae
Order Ephemeroptera Lepidoptera
Family Baetidae Sphingidae
Size 5-7 mm 60-80 mm wingspan
Habitat Rivers & Streams Farmland
Diet Omnivores Omnivores
Regions Europe Europe, Central Asia
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Iron Blue Dun

A small dark mayfly that hatches prolifically on cool overcast days. Nymphs are found clinging to stones in moderate to fast current.

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Did You Know?

Hatches are most prolific during rain and cold snaps, making it a favorite species for wet-weather anglers.

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.