Spurge Hawkmoth vs Zela Metalmark
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Spurge Hawkmoth | Zela Metalmark |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Hyles euphorbiae | Emesis zela |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Sphingidae | Riodinidae |
| Size | 60-80 mm wingspan | 25-30 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Farmland | Mountains |
| Diet | Omnivores | Nectar Feeders |
| Regions | Europe, Central Asia | Southeastern Arizona, southwestern New Mexico, Mexico |
| 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.
Zela Metalmark
A small butterfly with rust-brown wings marked with fine dark lines and subtle metallic scaling. It inhabits mountain canyons in the borderlands of Arizona and Mexico.
Did You Know?
It is one of the target species for butterfly watchers visiting the famous canyons of southeastern Arizona.