Japanese Beetle Tachinid vs Pale Brown Hawk Moth
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Japanese Beetle Tachinid | Pale Brown Hawk Moth |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Istocheta aldrichi | Theretra nessus |
| Order | Diptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Tachinidae | Sphingidae |
| Size | 5-7 mm | 55-75 mm |
| Habitat | Orchards | Orchards |
| Diet | Parasites | Nectar Feeders |
| Regions | North America, Asia | South Asia, Southeast Asia, Australia |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Japanese Beetle Tachinid
A parasitic fly introduced from Japan to North America specifically for Japanese beetle control. Females lay eggs on the beetle's thorax.
Did You Know?
White eggs visible on a Japanese beetle's thorax are a telltale sign of parasitism by this fly.
Pale Brown Hawk Moth
A sleek hawk moth with uniform brown coloring and darker lateral stripes along the body. It is widespread across tropical Asia and Australasia.
Did You Know?
Theretra nessus caterpillars undergo dramatic color changes between instars, shifting from green to brown as they mature.