Yam Hawk Moth vs Muslin Moth

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Yam Hawk Moth Muslin Moth
Scientific Name Theretra oldenlandiae Diaphora mendica
Order Lepidoptera Lepidoptera
Family Sphingidae Erebidae
Size 50-65 mm 30-38 mm wingspan
Habitat Underground Underground
Diet Nectar Feeders Herbivores
Regions South Asia, Southeast Asia, East Asia, Australia Europe, Western Asia
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Yam Hawk Moth

A widespread tropical hawk moth with olive-brown forewings and contrasting dark and light lateral body stripes. Its larvae feed on a wide variety of plants including yams and grape vines.

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Did You Know?

This species is one of the most polyphagous hawk moths, with larvae recorded feeding on plants from more than a dozen different families.

Muslin Moth

A sexually dimorphic moth where males are dark smoky grey and females are pure white with black spots. The contrast between sexes is striking.

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Did You Know?

Males and females look so different they were once classified as separate species.