Magpie Moth vs Vine Hawk Moth
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Magpie Moth | Vine Hawk Moth |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Abraxas grossulariata | Hippotion velox |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Geometridae | Sphingidae |
| Size | 38-48 mm wingspan | 55-70 mm |
| Habitat | Underground | Woodlands |
| Diet | Omnivores | Nectar Feeders |
| Regions | Europe, temperate Asia | Africa, South Asia, Southeast Asia, Australia |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Magpie Moth
A conspicuous white moth with bold black spots and an orange-yellow band across the wings. It played a historic role in the discovery of sex-linked inheritance.
Did You Know?
Leonard Doncaster's experiments on this moth in 1906 provided early evidence for sex-linked genetics.
Vine Hawk Moth
A sleek olive-brown hawk moth with a distinctive pale dorsal stripe. It is widespread across Africa and Asia, and is one of the most commonly encountered sphingids in Australia.
Did You Know?
Hippotion velox is one of the most common hawk moths encountered in Australian suburban gardens, where it is attracted to outdoor lights.