Small-eyed Sphinx Moth vs South American Velvet Ant
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Small-eyed Sphinx Moth | South American Velvet Ant |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Paonias myops | Traumatomutilla indica |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Hymenoptera |
| Family | Sphingidae | Mutillidae |
| Size | 45-65 mm wingspan | 15-22 mm |
| Habitat | Orchards | Grasslands |
| Diet | Omnivores | Omnivores |
| Regions | Eastern North America | South America |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Small-eyed Sphinx Moth
A pinkish-brown sphinx moth whose hindwings bear a small blue eyespot ringed in black and yellow. It relies on camouflage at rest but flashes the eyespot when threatened.
Did You Know?
The species name 'myops' means 'short-sighted,' a reference to its notably small hindwing eyespot.
South American Velvet Ant
A large tropical velvet ant with striking black and orange patterns. Despite its species name, it is native to South America and not India.
Did You Know?
Its species name 'indica' was assigned in error and does not reflect its true South American distribution.