Madagascan Sphinx Moth vs Thick-legged Flower Beetle

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Madagascan Sphinx Moth Thick-legged Flower Beetle
Scientific Name Xanthopan praedicta Oedemera nobilis
Order Lepidoptera Coleoptera
Family Sphingidae Oedemeridae
Size 130-150 mm wingspan 8-12mm
Habitat Forests Underground
Diet Nectar Feeders Nectar Feeders
Regions Madagascar Europe
Conservation Not Evaluated Least Concern

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.

Thick-legged Flower Beetle

A metallic green beetle with splayed elytra that expose the wings. Males have distinctively swollen hind femora.

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Did You Know?

Despite being an important pollinator this beetle is often mistaken for a green fly due to its shiny metallic color.