Spurge Hawkmoth vs Hummingbird Hawk-Moth
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Spurge Hawkmoth | Hummingbird Hawk-Moth |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Hyles euphorbiae | Macroglossum stellatarum |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Sphingidae | Sphingidae |
| Size | 60-80 mm wingspan | 40-50 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Farmland | Underground |
| Diet | Omnivores | Nectar Feeders |
| Regions | Europe, Central Asia | Europe, Asia, Africa |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Spurge Hawkmoth
A striking hawkmoth with olive and pink forewings and rosy-red hindwings with a black base. Its caterpillar is equally spectacular with red, black, yellow, and white markings.
Did You Know?
It has been introduced to North America as a biological control agent for invasive leafy spurge.
Hummingbird Hawk-Moth
A day-flying moth that hovers at flowers and produces an audible hum, almost perfectly mimicking a hummingbird. Has exceptional visual memory for flower locations.
Did You Know?
This moth can remember the locations of hundreds of individual flowers and times its visits to when nectar is replenished — a memory feat unmatched by most insects.