White-Lined Sphinx Moth vs Narrow-banded Hoverfly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | White-Lined Sphinx Moth | Narrow-banded Hoverfly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Hyles lineata | Meliscaeva auricollis |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Diptera |
| Family | Sphingidae | Syrphidae |
| Size | 65-90 mm wingspan | 7-10 mm |
| Habitat | Deserts & Drylands | Underground |
| Diet | Nectar Feeders | Nectar Feeders |
| Regions | Throughout North America from Canada to Central America | Europe, Asia |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
White-Lined Sphinx Moth
A common sphinx moth with bold white stripes on its forewings and a pink-banded hindwing. It hovers at flowers like a hummingbird and is active at dusk.
Did You Know?
During outbreak years, its caterpillars can be so numerous they cross roads in large numbers and are called armyworms.
Narrow-banded Hoverfly
A small hoverfly with narrow yellow crescent markings on a dark abdomen. It is among the first hoverflies to appear in spring.
Did You Know?
Adults can be seen flying as early as February in mild winters.