Maldives Coconut Moth vs Frangipani Hawk Moth

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Maldives Coconut Moth Frangipani Hawk Moth
Scientific Name Opisina arenosella Pseudosphinx tetrio
Order Lepidoptera Lepidoptera
Family Oecophoridae Sphingidae
Size 20-25 mm wingspan 100-140 mm
Habitat Farmland Beaches & Coastal
Diet Herbivores Nectar Feeders
Regions Maldives, Indian Ocean, South Asia Southern United States, Caribbean, Central America, South America
Conservation Not Evaluated Least Concern

Maldives Coconut Moth

A small moth whose larvae feed on coconut palm leaves across the Indian Ocean. It is a significant pest in the Maldives and South Asia.

💡

Did You Know?

A single heavily infested coconut palm can harbor thousands of larvae under silk galleries.

Frangipani Hawk Moth

A large gray hawk moth whose larvae are among the most spectacular caterpillars in the world, with bold black and yellow banding and a bright red head. It is common throughout the tropics.

💡

Did You Know?

The frangipani caterpillar's vivid warning coloration and ability to sequester toxic alkaloids from its host plant make it one of the most conspicuous and well-defended caterpillars in the Americas.