Twin-spotted Sphinx Moth vs Winter Crane Fly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Twin-spotted Sphinx Moth Winter Crane Fly
Scientific Name Smerinthus jamaicensis Trichocera annulata
Order Lepidoptera Diptera
Family Sphingidae Trichoceridae
Size 55-80 mm 5-10 mm
Habitat Woodlands Woodlands
Diet Omnivores Detritivores
Regions North America Europe, North America
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.

Winter Crane Fly

A cold-adapted crane fly that forms mating swarms in winter even in freezing weather.

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Did You Know?

It can be seen dancing in aerial swarms on sunny winter days near buildings.