Poplar Hawk-moth vs Arctic Tiger Moth
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Poplar Hawk-moth | Arctic Tiger Moth |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Laothoe populi | Grammia quenseli |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Sphingidae | Erebidae |
| Size | 65-90 mm wingspan | 34-44 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Rivers & Streams | Tundra & Arctic |
| Diet | Omnivores | Herbivores |
| Regions | Europe, temperate Asia | Scandinavia, Arctic Russia, Alaska, northern Canada, alpine Europe |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Poplar Hawk-moth
A large grey-brown hawk-moth that holds its hindwings forward of the forewings at rest, creating an unusual silhouette. It is the most common hawk-moth across much of Europe.
Did You Know?
When disturbed, it reveals a rust-orange patch on its hindwings to startle predators before dropping to the ground.
Arctic Tiger Moth
A striking moth with black and cream striped forewings and orange-red hindwings with black spots. The hairy caterpillar is black with reddish bands. Adults are active during the brief Arctic and alpine summer.
Did You Know?
The caterpillar's dark coloration allows it to bask in the sun and raise its body temperature well above the ambient Arctic air temperature.