Mormon Metalmark vs Waved Sphinx Moth
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Mormon Metalmark | Waved Sphinx Moth |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Apodemia mormo | Ceratomia undulosa |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Riodinidae | Sphingidae |
| Size | 22-30 mm wingspan | 75-100 mm |
| Habitat | Heathland | Woodlands |
| Diet | Nectar Feeders | Nectar Feeders |
| Regions | Western North America from Canada to Mexico | Eastern North America |
| Conservation | Least Concern (species); some subspecies criticall | Least Concern |
Mormon Metalmark
A small butterfly with dark brown wings covered in white spots arranged in irregular bands. Several of its subspecies are critically endangered.
Did You Know?
The Lange's metalmark subspecies, restricted to a single sand dune in California, is one of the rarest butterflies in the world.
Waved Sphinx Moth
A large gray hawk moth with wavy dark lines across the forewings, providing superb bark camouflage. It is one of the most commonly encountered sphingids at lights in eastern North America.
Did You Know?
The waved sphinx is so common at porch lights in the eastern US that it is often the first sphinx moth most people encounter.