Lunar Hornet Moth vs Blinded Sphinx Moth
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Lunar Hornet Moth | Blinded Sphinx Moth |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Sesia bembeciformis | Paonias excaecata |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Sesiidae | Sphingidae |
| Size | 30–42 mm wingspan | 55-80 mm |
| Habitat | Rivers & Streams | Woodlands |
| Diet | Omnivores | Omnivores |
| Regions | Europe, Western Asia | North America |
| Conservation | Not Evaluated | Least Concern |
Lunar Hornet Moth
A large clearwing moth that mimics a hornet and bores into willow and sallow trunks. Adults emerge in midsummer and are active in sunshine.
Did You Know?
The empty pupal skin can be found protruding from the exit hole on willow trunks long after the moth has emerged.
Blinded Sphinx Moth
A bark-patterned hawk moth with brown forewings and blue hindwing eyespots that lack the central pupil found in related species, giving it the name 'blinded.' It is widespread in North America.
Did You Know?
Its name 'excaecata' means 'blinded' in Latin, referring to the pupil-less eyespots that distinguish it from the closely related eyed hawk moth.