Lunar Hornet Moth vs Tanzanian Flower Mantis

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Lunar Hornet Moth Tanzanian Flower Mantis
Scientific Name Sesia bembeciformis Pseudocreobotra gratiosus
Order Lepidoptera Mantodea
Family Sesiidae Hymenopodidae
Size 30–42 mm wingspan 25-35 mm
Habitat Rivers & Streams Forests
Diet Omnivores Omnivores
Regions Europe, Western Asia Tanzania, Mozambique, Kenya
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.

Tanzanian Flower Mantis

A graceful flower mantis from East African coastal forests. It has a predominantly white body with subtle green and pink accents.

💡

Did You Know?

Its species name 'gratiosus' means graceful, reflecting its elegant appearance among flowers.