Twin-spotted Sphinx Moth vs Flame Carpet Moth

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Twin-spotted Sphinx Moth Flame Carpet Moth
Scientific Name Smerinthus jamaicensis Xanthorhoe designata
Order Lepidoptera Lepidoptera
Family Sphingidae Geometridae
Size 55-80 mm 24-28 mm wingspan
Habitat Woodlands Farmland
Diet Omnivores Herbivores
Regions North America Europe
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Twin-spotted Sphinx Moth

A medium-sized hawk moth with scalloped gray-brown forewings and blue and black eyespots on the hindwings. When threatened, it reveals these spots in a startling flash display.

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Did You Know?

The twin-spotted sphinx can raise its body temperature to 35 degrees Celsius through rapid wing vibrations before taking flight on cool nights.

Flame Carpet Moth

A small, attractive geometer moth with pinkish-brown and dark banding creating a flame-like pattern. Associated with cruciferous plants. Comes readily to moth traps.

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Did You Know?

The flame-like wing pattern gives this common moth its evocative English name.