Zela Metalmark vs Small-eyed Sphinx Moth

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Zela Metalmark Small-eyed Sphinx Moth
Scientific Name Emesis zela Paonias myops
Order Lepidoptera Lepidoptera
Family Riodinidae Sphingidae
Size 25-30 mm wingspan 45-65 mm wingspan
Habitat Mountains Orchards
Diet Nectar Feeders Omnivores
Regions Southeastern Arizona, southwestern New Mexico, Mexico Eastern North America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Zela Metalmark

A small butterfly with rust-brown wings marked with fine dark lines and subtle metallic scaling. It inhabits mountain canyons in the borderlands of Arizona and Mexico.

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Did You Know?

It is one of the target species for butterfly watchers visiting the famous canyons of southeastern Arizona.

Small-eyed Sphinx Moth

A pinkish-brown sphinx moth whose hindwings bear a small blue eyespot ringed in black and yellow. It relies on camouflage at rest but flashes the eyespot when threatened.

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Did You Know?

The species name 'myops' means 'short-sighted,' a reference to its notably small hindwing eyespot.