Vine Hawk Moth vs Thistledown Velvet Ant
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Vine Hawk Moth | Thistledown Velvet Ant |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Hippotion velox | Dasymutilla gloriosa |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Hymenoptera |
| Family | Sphingidae | Mutillidae |
| Size | 55-70 mm | 12-20 mm |
| Habitat | Woodlands | Deserts & Drylands |
| Diet | Nectar Feeders | Nectar Feeders |
| Regions | Africa, South Asia, Southeast Asia, Australia | Southwestern United States from California to Texas |
| 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.
Thistledown Velvet Ant
A strikingly beautiful velvet ant covered in long white hair that resembles a piece of thistledown blowing across desert sand. The wingless females are a remarkable mimic of windblown plant material.
Did You Know?
Its white fluffy appearance camouflages it among the creosote seed pods and dried plant debris of its desert habitat.