Witchetty Grub vs Lime Hawk-moth
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Witchetty Grub | Lime Hawk-moth |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Endoxyla leucomochla | Mimas tiliae |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Cossidae | Sphingidae |
| Size | 50-70 mm | 55-70 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Deserts & Drylands | Underground |
| Diet | Root Feeders | Herbivores |
| Regions | Oceania | Europe, western Asia |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Witchetty Grub
The larva of a cossid moth and the most important insect food of Australian Aboriginal desert peoples. Rich in protein and fat, traditionally eaten raw or lightly cooked.
Did You Know?
Witchetty grubs have been a staple food of Aboriginal Australians for over 40,000 years — raw, they taste like almonds; cooked, like scrambled eggs with a crispy skin.
Lime Hawk-moth
A beautifully scalloped hawk-moth with variable pink-green to brown colouration and dark central wing bands. Adults do not feed at all, living only on energy stored as caterpillars.
Did You Know?
Its wing colour varies enormously, from bright salmon pink to deep olive green, even within the same brood.