Small Elephant Hawk Moth vs False Ringlet
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Small Elephant Hawk Moth | False Ringlet |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Deilephila porcellus | Coenonympha oedippus |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Sphingidae | Nymphalidae |
| Size | 40-52 mm | 30-36 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Grasslands | Wetlands |
| Diet | Nectar Feeders | Omnivores |
| Regions | Europe, Central Asia | Scattered localities in Europe, east to Japan |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Near Threatened (critically endangered in EU) |
Small Elephant Hawk Moth
A smaller relative of the elephant hawk moth, with delicate pink and yellow-olive coloring. It is found in grasslands and meadows where bedstraw grows abundantly.
Did You Know?
Despite being called 'small,' this moth is still impressively sized compared to most Lepidoptera, with a wingspan approaching that of many butterfly species.
False Ringlet
A small, drab brown butterfly with a row of striking silver-centred eyespots on the hindwing underside. It is one of the most endangered butterflies in western Europe.
Did You Know?
It has vanished from over 90% of its former European range in the last century due to wetland drainage.