Oleander Hawkmoth vs Solomon's Seal Sawfly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Oleander Hawkmoth Solomon's Seal Sawfly
Scientific Name Daphnis nerii Phymatocera aterrima
Order Lepidoptera Hymenoptera
Family Sphingidae Tenthredinidae
Size 80-120 mm wingspan 8-10 mm
Habitat Underground Underground
Diet Herbivores Herbivores
Regions Africa, Asia, Europe Europe
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Oleander Hawkmoth

A large hawkmoth with beautiful camouflage patterns in shades of green and pink that perfectly match oleander leaves. It is a strong migrant.

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Did You Know?

Despite its larvae feeding on the highly toxic oleander plant, the caterpillars are not themselves poisonous to predators.

Solomon's Seal Sawfly

A small, entirely black sawfly whose grayish-white larvae with black heads are highly destructive to Solomon's seal plants. Larvae feed from the leaf edges inward.

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Did You Know?

The larvae are so well camouflaged against the undersides of Solomon's seal leaves that gardeners often only notice them after severe damage is done.