Australian Magpie Moth vs Gaudy Sphinx Moth

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Australian Magpie Moth Gaudy Sphinx Moth
Scientific Name Nyctemera amica Eumorpha labruscae
Order Lepidoptera Lepidoptera
Family Erebidae Sphingidae
Size 35-45 mm wingspan 85-120 mm
Habitat Underground Orchards
Diet Predators Nectar Feeders
Regions Australia, New Zealand Southern United States, Central America, South America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Australian Magpie Moth

A striking day-flying black and white moth from Australasia. Caterpillars feed on groundsel and ragwort, sequestering toxic alkaloids. The bold pattern warns predators of its toxicity.

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Did You Know?

Its bold black and white pattern serves as a warning to predators that it contains toxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids.

Gaudy Sphinx Moth

A spectacular hawk moth with blue-green and brown patterned forewings that create an extraordinary leafy camouflage. It is one of the most beautifully colored sphinx moths in the world.

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Did You Know?

When resting on a vine leaf, the gaudy sphinx moth is almost impossible to spot because its wing patterns perfectly replicate the colors and veining of a fresh leaf.