Small Tortoiseshell vs Madagascan Sphinx Moth
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Small Tortoiseshell | Madagascan Sphinx Moth |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Aglais urticae | Xanthopan praedicta |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Nymphalidae | Sphingidae |
| Size | Wingspan 45-55mm | 130-150 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Woodlands | Forests |
| Diet | Herbivores | Nectar Feeders |
| Regions | Europe, Asia | Madagascar |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Not Evaluated |
Small Tortoiseshell
A familiar orange butterfly with black and yellow markings and a row of blue crescents along the wing margins. It hibernates in buildings over winter.
Did You Know?
Adults hibernate in attics and sheds and can survive freezing temperatures by producing glycerol as natural antifreeze.
Madagascan Sphinx Moth
A hawkmoth with an extraordinarily long proboscis, endemic to Madagascar. Darwin famously predicted its existence based on a deep orchid.
Did You Know?
Its proboscis can reach up to 30 cm long to access nectar from Angraecum sesquipedale orchids.