Sand Wasp vs Madagascan Sphinx Moth

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Sand Wasp Madagascan Sphinx Moth
Scientific Name Bembix rostrata Xanthopan praedicta
Order Hymenoptera Lepidoptera
Family Crabronidae Sphingidae
Size 15-22 mm 130-150 mm wingspan
Habitat Beaches & Coastal Forests
Diet Nectar Feeders Nectar Feeders
Regions Europe, North Africa, Central Asia Madagascar
Conservation Least Concern Not Evaluated

Sand Wasp

A robust wasp that digs burrows in sandy soil and provisions them with flies. It progressively feeds its larvae fresh prey over several days.

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Did You Know?

Unlike most solitary wasps, the mother continues to care for and feed her larvae after hatching.

Madagascan Sphinx Moth

A hawkmoth with an extraordinarily long proboscis, endemic to Madagascar. Darwin famously predicted its existence based on a deep orchid.

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Did You Know?

Its proboscis can reach up to 30 cm long to access nectar from Angraecum sesquipedale orchids.