Vine Hawk Moth vs Pipevine Swallowtail
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Vine Hawk Moth | Pipevine Swallowtail |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Hippotion velox | Battus philenor |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Sphingidae | Papilionidae |
| Size | 55-70 mm | 70-110 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Woodlands | Grasslands |
| Diet | Nectar Feeders | Omnivores |
| Regions | Africa, South Asia, Southeast Asia, Australia | North America from southern Canada to Mexico |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Vine Hawk Moth
A sleek olive-brown hawk moth with a distinctive pale dorsal stripe. It is widespread across Africa and Asia, and is one of the most commonly encountered sphingids in Australia.
Did You Know?
Hippotion velox is one of the most common hawk moths encountered in Australian suburban gardens, where it is attracted to outdoor lights.
Pipevine Swallowtail
A dark swallowtail with brilliant iridescent blue hindwings and an orange-spotted underside. Its toxicity from Aristolochia host plants makes it the model for several mimicry complexes.
Did You Know?
At least five other butterfly species mimic its appearance to gain protection from predators.