Walnut Sphinx Moth vs Western Yellowjacket
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Walnut Sphinx Moth | Western Yellowjacket |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Amorpha juglandis | Vespula pensylvanica |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Hymenoptera |
| Family | Sphingidae | Vespidae |
| Size | 50-75 mm | 11-16 mm |
| Habitat | Woodlands | Woodlands |
| Diet | Detritivores | Carrion Feeders |
| Regions | Eastern North America | Western North America from Alaska to Mexico |
| 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.
Did You Know?
The walnut sphinx caterpillar can produce a high-pitched whistle by forcing air through its spiracles, startling birds and other predators.
Western Yellowjacket
The most common yellowjacket in western North America with a distinctive diamond-shaped black mark on its first abdominal segment. It is a frequent uninvited guest at outdoor picnics.
Did You Know?
In Hawaii, where it was accidentally introduced, it has become a serious invasive pest threatening native insects.