Red Underwing vs Privet Hawk-moth
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Red Underwing | Privet Hawk-moth |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Catocala nupta | Sphinx ligustri |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Erebidae | Sphingidae |
| Size | Wingspan 70-82mm | 90-120 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Woodlands | Woodlands |
| Diet | Herbivores | Omnivores |
| Regions | Europe, Asia | Europe, western Asia |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Red Underwing
A large moth with bark-like grey forewings and vivid red and black banded hindwings flashed as a startle defense.
Did You Know?
When disturbed from tree bark it flashes its bright red hindwings creating a startle effect then vanishes by closing them.
Privet Hawk-moth
Britain's largest resident moth, with a massive body bearing pink and black abdominal stripes. Its horn-tipped caterpillar is bright green with purple and white diagonal stripes.
Did You Know?
The caterpillar performs a sphinx-like pose when disturbed, which gave the Sphingidae family its name.