Latreille's Hawk Moth vs Postman Butterfly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Latreille's Hawk Moth | Postman Butterfly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Theretra latreillii | Heliconius melpomene |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Sphingidae | Nymphalidae |
| Size | 55-70 mm | Wingspan 55-80mm |
| Habitat | Gardens | Forests |
| Diet | Nectar Feeders | Herbivores |
| Regions | Australia, New Guinea, Southeast Asia | South America, North America |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Latreille's Hawk Moth
A medium-sized hawk moth with olive-brown forewings bearing a distinctive pale stripe. It is common in eastern Australia where its caterpillars feed on grape and ornamental vines.
Did You Know?
In Australia, this moth is commonly known as the 'grapevine hawk moth' and is one of the most frequently encountered sphingids in suburban Sydney.
Postman Butterfly
A slender long-winged butterfly with black wings and a bold red band across the forewings. It is a classic example of Mullerian mimicry.
Did You Know?
It is one of the few butterflies that can digest pollen as well as nectar giving it amino acids that extend its lifespan to several months.