Tomato Leafminer vs Privet Hawk-moth
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Tomato Leafminer | Privet Hawk-moth |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Tuta absoluta | Sphinx ligustri |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Gelechiidae | Sphingidae |
| Size | 10-12 mm wingspan | 90-120 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Underground | Woodlands |
| Diet | Herbivores | Omnivores |
| Regions | South America, Europe, Africa, Asia | Europe, western Asia |
| Conservation | Not Evaluated | Least Concern |
Tomato Leafminer
A devastating South American moth that mines through tomato leaves, stems, and fruits. Since 2006, it has rapidly invaded Europe, Africa, and Asia.
Did You Know?
It can complete up to 12 generations per year in tropical regions, allowing populations to explode rapidly.
Privet Hawk-moth
Britain's largest resident moth, with a massive body bearing pink and black abdominal stripes. Its horn-tipped caterpillar is bright green with purple and white diagonal stripes.
Did You Know?
The caterpillar performs a sphinx-like pose when disturbed, which gave the Sphingidae family its name.