Turnip Moth vs Yam Hawk Moth

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Turnip Moth Yam Hawk Moth
Scientific Name Agrotis segetum Theretra oldenlandiae
Order Lepidoptera Lepidoptera
Family Noctuidae Sphingidae
Size 35-45 mm wingspan 50-65 mm
Habitat Farmland Underground
Diet Root Feeders Nectar Feeders
Regions Europe, Africa, Asia South Asia, Southeast Asia, East Asia, Australia
Conservation Not Evaluated Least Concern

Turnip Moth

A drab brown moth whose fat cutworm larvae sever the stems and roots of root vegetables and seedlings. It is one of the most widespread cutworm pests in the Old World.

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Did You Know?

Larvae can survive extended periods of drought by burrowing deep into the soil and entering a dormant state.

Yam Hawk Moth

A widespread tropical hawk moth with olive-brown forewings and contrasting dark and light lateral body stripes. Its larvae feed on a wide variety of plants including yams and grape vines.

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Did You Know?

This species is one of the most polyphagous hawk moths, with larvae recorded feeding on plants from more than a dozen different families.