Ross's Web Spinner vs Hornet Moth

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Ross's Web Spinner Hornet Moth
Scientific Name Chelicerca rubra Sesia apiformis
Order Embioptera Lepidoptera
Family Chelicercidae Sesiidae
Size 8.0-12.0 mm 33-48 mm wingspan
Habitat Farmland Rivers & Streams
Diet Wood Feeders Wood Feeders
Regions Africa Europe, Asia
Conservation Not Evaluated Least Concern

Ross's Web Spinner

A reddish-brown web spinner found in tropical Africa that builds silk tunnels on tree bark. It is one of the more brightly colored embiopterans.

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Did You Know?

The reddish coloration of this web spinner is unusual in the order, as most species are drab brown or black.

Hornet Moth

A clearwing moth that is a near-perfect mimic of the European hornet.

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Did You Know?

It even buzzes and moves its abdomen like a hornet when disturbed.