Pine Hawk-moth vs Red Admiral
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Pine Hawk-moth | Red Admiral |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Sphinx pinastri | Vanessa atalanta |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Sphingidae | Nymphalidae |
| Size | 70-87 mm wingspan | 56-62 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Farmland | Gardens |
| Diet | Omnivores | Fruit Feeders |
| Regions | Europe, temperate Asia | Europe, North America, North Africa, Asia |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Pine Hawk-moth
A sleek grey hawk-moth with dark streaks that provide perfect camouflage against pine bark. It is strongly associated with conifer plantations and native pinewoods.
Did You Know?
When resting on a pine trunk, its streamlined body and bark-like colouring make it almost impossible to spot.
Red Admiral
A bold black butterfly with red-orange bands and white spots, commonly seen in gardens. It is a strong migrant and occasional overwinterer.
Did You Know?
In autumn it is strongly attracted to fermenting fallen fruit and can become intoxicated on the alcohol.