Small Elephant Hawk Moth vs Garden Carpet
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Small Elephant Hawk Moth | Garden Carpet |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Deilephila porcellus | Xanthorhoe fluctuata |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Sphingidae | Geometridae |
| Size | 40-52 mm | 22-28 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Grasslands | Gardens |
| Diet | Nectar Feeders | Herbivores |
| Regions | Europe, Central Asia | Europe, Asia |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
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.
Garden Carpet
A very common garden moth with variable grey and white patterning. Double-brooded with adults flying from April to October. Larvae feed on various cruciferous plants including garlic mustard.
Did You Know?
One of the most frequently recorded moths in garden moth traps across Britain.