Waterlily Borer Moth vs Rustic Sphinx Moth
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Waterlily Borer Moth | Rustic Sphinx Moth |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Elophila gyralis | Manduca rustica |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Crambidae | Sphingidae |
| Size | 18-24 mm wingspan | 90-140 mm |
| Habitat | Ponds & Lakes | Gardens |
| Diet | Herbivores | Nectar Feeders |
| Regions | Eastern North America | Southern United States, Mexico, Central America, South America |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Waterlily Borer Moth
A small pale brown moth with wavy dark lines across its wings. Its larvae are aquatic, living underwater in cases made from fragments of waterlily leaves.
Did You Know?
The larvae breathe underwater using modified gills and never surface until they are ready to pupate.
Rustic Sphinx Moth
A striking hawk moth with dark brown forewings marked with white patches and a banded abdomen. It is a strong flier found across the Americas and is attracted to garden flowers at dusk.
Did You Know?
The rustic sphinx is one of the largest hawk moths in North America and can sometimes be seen hovering at flowers alongside hummingbirds.