Poplar Hawk-moth vs Ruby Tiger Moth

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Poplar Hawk-moth Ruby Tiger Moth
Scientific Name Laothoe populi Phragmatobia fuliginosa
Order Lepidoptera Lepidoptera
Family Sphingidae Arctiidae
Size 65-90 mm wingspan 28-35 mm wingspan
Habitat Rivers & Streams Heathland
Diet Omnivores Herbivores
Regions Europe, temperate Asia Europe, Asia, North America
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.

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Did You Know?

When disturbed, it reveals a rust-orange patch on its hindwings to startle predators before dropping to the ground.

Ruby Tiger Moth

A small tiger moth with dark brownish-red forewings and rosy-red hindwings spotted with black. It is common across the northern hemisphere and flies both day and night.

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Did You Know?

The hairy caterpillar can survive being frozen solid during winter and resumes feeding when it thaws.