Pine-tree Lappet vs Five-Spotted Hawk Moth

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Pine-tree Lappet Five-Spotted Hawk Moth
Scientific Name Dendrolimus pini Manduca quinquemaculata
Order Lepidoptera Lepidoptera
Family Lasiocampidae Sphingidae
Size 50-80 mm wingspan 95-130 mm wingspan
Habitat Forests Farmland
Diet Herbivores Nectar Feeders
Regions Europe, Asia Throughout North America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Pine-tree Lappet

A large moth that can be a devastating forest pest, with caterpillars capable of completely defoliating pine forests across Eurasia. Major outbreaks are cyclical and can last several years.

💡

Did You Know?

During outbreak years, caterpillars can strip entire pine forests bare, causing economic losses of millions of dollars.

Five-Spotted Hawk Moth

A large mottled gray moth whose caterpillar is the familiar tomato hornworm with a distinctive black horn. The adult has five pairs of yellow-orange spots on its abdomen.

💡

Did You Know?

Its caterpillar is frequently confused with the tobacco hornworm but can be distinguished by its V-shaped white markings instead of diagonal stripes.