Yam Hawk Moth vs Silk Moth
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Yam Hawk Moth | Silk Moth |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Theretra oldenlandiae | Bombyx mori |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Sphingidae | Bombycidae |
| Size | 50-65 mm | 40-50 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Underground | Forests |
| Diet | Nectar Feeders | Herbivores |
| Regions | South Asia, Southeast Asia, East Asia, Australia | Asia, worldwide (domesticated) |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Domesticated |
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.
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.
Silk Moth
The fully domesticated moth used in sericulture for over 5,000 years. Completely dependent on humans — adults cannot fly and larvae depend on hand-feeding mulberry leaves.
Did You Know?
The silk moth is so domesticated after 5,000 years of selective breeding that adults can no longer fly and caterpillars will starve rather than eat anything but mulberry leaves.