Walnut Sphinx Moth vs Elm Zigzag Sawfly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Walnut Sphinx Moth Elm Zigzag Sawfly
Scientific Name Amorpha juglandis Aproceros leucopoda
Order Lepidoptera Hymenoptera
Family Sphingidae Argidae
Size 50-75 mm 5-7 mm
Habitat Woodlands Woodlands
Diet Detritivores Herbivores
Regions Eastern North America East Asia, invasive in Europe
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Walnut Sphinx Moth

A beautifully cryptic hawk moth with scalloped wing edges and mottled brown, gray, and lavender patterns. It rests among leaf litter where it is nearly impossible to detect.

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Did You Know?

The walnut sphinx caterpillar can produce a high-pitched whistle by forcing air through its spiracles, startling birds and other predators.

Elm Zigzag Sawfly

A small, pale green sawfly of East Asian origin that has become invasive in Europe. Larvae create distinctive zigzag feeding patterns on elm leaves.

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Did You Know?

This species reproduces entirely by parthenogenesis in its invasive range; males have never been found in Europe.