Madagascan Sphinx Moth vs Eastern Tent Caterpillar Moth

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Madagascan Sphinx Moth Eastern Tent Caterpillar Moth
Scientific Name Xanthopan praedicta Malacosoma americanum
Order Lepidoptera Lepidoptera
Family Sphingidae Lasiocampidae
Size 130-150 mm wingspan 25–38 mm wingspan
Habitat Forests Grasslands
Diet Nectar Feeders Herbivores
Regions Madagascar Eastern North America
Conservation Not Evaluated Not Evaluated

Madagascan Sphinx Moth

A hawkmoth with an extraordinarily long proboscis, endemic to Madagascar. Darwin famously predicted its existence based on a deep orchid.

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Did You Know?

Its proboscis can reach up to 30 cm long to access nectar from Angraecum sesquipedale orchids.

Eastern Tent Caterpillar Moth

A common moth whose caterpillars build conspicuous silk tents in the forks of cherry and apple trees. Colonies cooperate to build and expand their communal shelter.

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Did You Know?

Caterpillars lay silk trail pheromones to guide nestmates to the best feeding sites on the tree.