Waved Sphinx Moth vs Herald Moth

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Waved Sphinx Moth Herald Moth
Scientific Name Ceratomia undulosa Scoliopteryx libatrix
Order Lepidoptera Lepidoptera
Family Sphingidae Erebidae
Size 75-100 mm 40-46 mm wingspan
Habitat Woodlands Caves
Diet Nectar Feeders Herbivores
Regions Eastern North America Europe, Asia, North America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Waved Sphinx Moth

A large gray hawk moth with wavy dark lines across the forewings, providing superb bark camouflage. It is one of the most commonly encountered sphingids at lights in eastern North America.

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Did You Know?

The waved sphinx is so common at porch lights in the eastern US that it is often the first sphinx moth most people encounter.

Herald Moth

A distinctive moth with scalloped wing edges and orange patches that hibernates in caves, cellars, and outbuildings. One of the first moths to be seen each spring. Adults resemble dead leaves.

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Did You Know?

Often hibernates in caves alongside bats, and can survive freezing temperatures during winter.