Small Tortoiseshell vs Pine Hawk-moth
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Small Tortoiseshell | Pine Hawk-moth |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Aglais urticae | Sphinx pinastri |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Nymphalidae | Sphingidae |
| Size | Wingspan 45-55mm | 70-87 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Woodlands | Farmland |
| Diet | Herbivores | Omnivores |
| Regions | Europe, Asia | Europe, temperate Asia |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
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.
Pine Hawk-moth
A sleek grey hawk-moth with dark streaks that provide perfect camouflage against pine bark. It is strongly associated with conifer plantations and native pinewoods.
Did You Know?
When resting on a pine trunk, its streamlined body and bark-like colouring make it almost impossible to spot.