Privet Hawk-moth vs African Emperor Moth
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Privet Hawk-moth | African Emperor Moth |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Sphinx ligustri | Bunaea caffraria |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Sphingidae | Saturniidae |
| Size | 90-120 mm wingspan | 80-120 mm |
| Habitat | Woodlands | Grasslands |
| Diet | Omnivores | Omnivores |
| Regions | Europe, western Asia | Southern and East Africa |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Privet Hawk-moth
Britain's largest resident moth, with a massive body bearing pink and black abdominal stripes. Its horn-tipped caterpillar is bright green with purple and white diagonal stripes.
Did You Know?
The caterpillar performs a sphinx-like pose when disturbed, which gave the Sphingidae family its name.
African Emperor Moth
A large African saturniid with warm brown wings bearing conspicuous eyespots edged in pink and black. Its massive spiny caterpillars are a common sight on savanna trees.
Did You Know?
The caterpillars of Bunaea caffraria are gregarious when young, forming dense clusters on branches that can completely strip small trees of foliage.