Spiny Oak Slug Moth vs Hawk Moth (Australian Privet Hawk Moth)

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Spiny Oak Slug Moth Hawk Moth (Australian Privet Hawk Moth)
Scientific Name Euclea delphinii Psilogramma menephron
Order Lepidoptera Lepidoptera
Family Limacodidae Sphingidae
Size 22-30 mm wingspan 100-120 mm wingspan
Habitat Orchards Woodlands
Diet Omnivores Nectar Feeders
Regions Eastern North America Australia, Oceania
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Spiny Oak Slug Moth

A small colorful moth with green, brown, and silver-spotted forewings. Its flattened, jewel-like caterpillar is green with red and yellow markings and bears stinging spines.

💡

Did You Know?

The ornate caterpillar has been called one of the most beautiful in North America despite its painful sting.

Hawk Moth (Australian Privet Hawk Moth)

One of Australia's largest hawk moths, with a robust grey body and intricately patterned wings that provide superb camouflage on tree bark. The large green caterpillars have a distinctive tail horn.

💡

Did You Know?

Hawk moth caterpillars rear up and vibrate their bodies when threatened, making them appear larger and more intimidating.