Sand Wasp vs Silver-striped Hawk Moth

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Sand Wasp Silver-striped Hawk Moth
Scientific Name Bembix rostrata Hippotion celerio
Order Hymenoptera Lepidoptera
Family Crabronidae Sphingidae
Size 15-22 mm 60-80 mm wingspan
Habitat Beaches & Coastal Orchards
Diet Nectar Feeders Nectar Feeders
Regions Europe, North Africa, Central Asia East Africa (Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Ethiopia, Rwanda)
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

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.

Silver-striped Hawk Moth

A medium-sized hawk moth with olive-brown forewings and bright pink hindwings, featuring silver stripes along the body. It is a powerful migrant found throughout the tropics.

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Did You Know?

Its caterpillars have prominent eyespots that make them look like small snakes to deter predators.