Rustic Sphinx Moth vs Drinker Moth

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Rustic Sphinx Moth Drinker Moth
Scientific Name Manduca rustica Euthrix potatoria
Order Lepidoptera Lepidoptera
Family Sphingidae Lasiocampidae
Size 90-140 mm Wingspan 45-65mm
Habitat Gardens Wetlands
Diet Nectar Feeders Herbivores
Regions Southern United States, Mexico, Central America, South America Europe, Asia
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Rustic Sphinx Moth

A striking hawk moth with dark brown forewings marked with white patches and a banded abdomen. It is a strong flier found across the Americas and is attracted to garden flowers at dusk.

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Did You Know?

The rustic sphinx is one of the largest hawk moths in North America and can sometimes be seen hovering at flowers alongside hummingbirds.

Drinker Moth

A large golden-brown moth named because its caterpillar was observed drinking drops of dew from grass blades.

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Did You Know?

Named in the 18th century by a naturalist who repeatedly observed caterpillars carefully drinking water droplets from grass.