Common Rustic vs Spurge Hawkmoth
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Common Rustic | Spurge Hawkmoth |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Mesapamea secalis | Hyles euphorbiae |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Noctuidae | Sphingidae |
| Size | 26-34 mm wingspan | 60-80 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Farmland | Farmland |
| Diet | Herbivores | Omnivores |
| Regions | Europe | Europe, Central Asia |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Common Rustic
A highly variable common moth that forms a species complex with the Lesser Common Rustic. External appearance is unreliable for identification. Larvae feed inside grass stems.
Did You Know?
So similar to its sibling species that they were not recognized as separate species until 1983.
Spurge Hawkmoth
A striking hawkmoth with olive and pink forewings and rosy-red hindwings with a black base. Its caterpillar is equally spectacular with red, black, yellow, and white markings.
Did You Know?
It has been introduced to North America as a biological control agent for invasive leafy spurge.