Willowherb Hawk Moth vs Malagasy Emerald Moth

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Willowherb Hawk Moth Malagasy Emerald Moth
Scientific Name Proserpinus proserpina Chrysiridia croesus
Order Lepidoptera Lepidoptera
Family Sphingidae Uraniidae
Size 36-46 mm 50-65 mm wingspan
Habitat Rivers & Streams Underground
Diet Nectar Feeders Nectar Feeders
Regions Central and southern Europe, North Africa, western Asia Madagascar
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Willowherb Hawk Moth

A compact hawk moth with olive-green forewings and bright orange hindwings with a dark border. It flies at dusk and is found in damp habitats across southern and central Europe.

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Did You Know?

This species is listed in Annex IV of the EU Habitats Directive, making it legally protected across the European Union.

Malagasy Emerald Moth

A day-flying uraniid moth closely related to the sunset moth but smaller, with iridescent green and gold scales across the wings. It shares the same host plants as C. rhipheus.

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Did You Know?

It was once considered a subspecies of the sunset moth before being elevated to full species status based on wing pattern and DNA analysis.