Provencal Burnet vs Latreille's Hawk Moth

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Provencal Burnet Latreille's Hawk Moth
Scientific Name Zygaena occitanica Theretra latreillii
Order Lepidoptera Lepidoptera
Family Zygaenidae Sphingidae
Size Wingspan 25-35mm 55-70 mm
Habitat Heathland Gardens
Diet Herbivores Nectar Feeders
Regions Europe, Africa Australia, New Guinea, Southeast Asia
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Provencal Burnet

A small day-flying moth with dark blue-green metallic forewings bearing red spots and bright red hindwings. It contains hydrogen cyanide for defense.

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Did You Know?

Both adults and larvae contain cyanide compounds making them toxic to birds and other predators at all life stages.

Latreille's Hawk Moth

A medium-sized hawk moth with olive-brown forewings bearing a distinctive pale stripe. It is common in eastern Australia where its caterpillars feed on grape and ornamental vines.

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Did You Know?

In Australia, this moth is commonly known as the 'grapevine hawk moth' and is one of the most frequently encountered sphingids in suburban Sydney.