Vegetable Caterpillar vs Madagascan Sphinx Moth
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Vegetable Caterpillar | Madagascan Sphinx Moth |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Ophiocordyceps robertsii | Xanthopan praedicta |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Hepialidae | Sphingidae |
| Size | 50-100 mm (caterpillar plus fungal stalk) | 130-150 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Underground | Forests |
| Diet | Fungus Feeders | Nectar Feeders |
| Regions | Oceania (New Zealand) | Madagascar |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Not Evaluated |
Vegetable Caterpillar
The host of this relationship is the caterpillar of the native moth Aenetus virescens, parasitized by the endemic Cordyceps fungus. The fungus invades and mummifies the caterpillar underground, then sends a fruiting body to the surface. It was known to Maori as awhato.
Did You Know?
Maori prized the vegetable caterpillar as a pigment source, grinding the fungus-caterpillar combination to produce a blue-black tattoo ink.
Madagascan Sphinx Moth
A hawkmoth with an extraordinarily long proboscis, endemic to Madagascar. Darwin famously predicted its existence based on a deep orchid.
Did You Know?
Its proboscis can reach up to 30 cm long to access nectar from Angraecum sesquipedale orchids.