Stalk-Eyed Fly vs Eyed Hawk-moth
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Stalk-Eyed Fly | Eyed Hawk-moth |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Teleopsis dalmanni | Smerinthus ocellatus |
| Order | Diptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Diopsidae | Sphingidae |
| Size | 6-10 mm body (eye span up to 25 mm) | 70-95 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Rivers & Streams | Rivers & Streams |
| Diet | Fungus Feeders | Predators |
| Regions | Asia | Europe, temperate Asia |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Stalk-Eyed Fly
Males have eyes on the tips of long rigid stalks that can span wider than their body length. Females prefer males with wider eye spans, driving extreme sexual selection.
Did You Know?
Males compete by facing each other and comparing eye span — the wider-eyed male wins. Females prefer wide-eyed males because eye span indicates good genes.
Eyed Hawk-moth
A large hawk-moth with cryptic brown forewings that conceal vivid blue and black eyespots on the hindwings. When startled, it flashes its eyespots to frighten predators.
Did You Know?
The flash of its eyespots has been shown experimentally to startle birds into abandoning their attack.