Waved Sphinx Moth vs Skin Moth
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Waved Sphinx Moth | Skin Moth |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Ceratomia undulosa | Monopis laevigella |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Sphingidae | Tineidae |
| Size | 75-100 mm | 12-18 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Woodlands | Farmland |
| Diet | Nectar Feeders | Omnivores |
| Regions | Eastern North America | Europe, Asia, Africa |
| 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.
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.
Skin Moth
A small dark brown moth with a pale spot on each forewing that breeds in bird nests and animal remains. It is one of nature's recyclers, breaking down keratin-rich waste.
Did You Know?
Forensic entomologists use its presence on corpses to help estimate time of death in criminal investigations.