Spurge Hawkmoth vs Vapourer Moth
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Spurge Hawkmoth | Vapourer Moth |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Hyles euphorbiae | Orgyia antiqua |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Sphingidae | Erebidae |
| Size | 60-80 mm wingspan | 25-35 mm wingspan (males only) |
| Habitat | Farmland | Woodlands |
| Diet | Omnivores | Herbivores |
| Regions | Europe, Central Asia | Europe, temperate Asia, North America |
| 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.
Vapourer Moth
A moth in which males are russet-brown day-fliers while females are completely wingless and never leave their cocoon. Females lay eggs directly on their own pupal case.
Did You Know?
The flightless female produces a powerful pheromone that attracts males from great distances to her cocoon.