Poplar Hawk-moth vs Long-Tailed Mayfly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Poplar Hawk-moth | Long-Tailed Mayfly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Laothoe populi | Palingenia longicauda |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Ephemeroptera |
| Family | Sphingidae | Palingeniidae |
| Size | 65-90 mm wingspan | 30-40 mm body; 60-80 mm cerci |
| Habitat | Rivers & Streams | Rivers & Streams |
| Diet | Omnivores | Omnivores |
| Regions | Europe, temperate Asia | Europe |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Vulnerable |
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.
Long-Tailed Mayfly
The largest European mayfly with body and cerci reaching over 120 mm. Its spectacular mass hatches on the Tisza River are a famous natural phenomenon.
Did You Know?
The annual "Tisza bloom" of this mayfly along the Tisza River lasts only a few hours but has been celebrated in Hungarian culture for generations.