Nessus Sphinx Moth vs Lateral Longhorn Beetle

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Nessus Sphinx Moth Lateral Longhorn Beetle
Scientific Name Amphion floridensis Mastododera lateralis
Order Lepidoptera Coleoptera
Family Sphingidae Cerambycidae
Size 50-60 mm wingspan 20-35 mm
Habitat Woodlands Woodlands
Diet Nectar Feeders Wood Feeders
Regions Eastern North America Madagascar
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Nessus Sphinx Moth

A day-flying sphinx moth with dark chocolate-brown wings and two bright yellow bands across the abdomen. It hovers like a hummingbird while feeding at flowers.

💡

Did You Know?

It is one of the few sphingids that flies actively during daylight hours rather than at dusk.

Lateral Longhorn Beetle

A medium-sized longhorn beetle with dark elytra marked by pale lateral stripes along the sides. It has the characteristically long antennae of the cerambycid family.

💡

Did You Know?

Like many longhorn beetles, the larvae can take several years to develop inside wood before emerging as adults.