Search results
Results From The WOW.Com Content Network
The Sphingidae are a family of moths commonly called sphinx moths, also colloquially known as hawk moths, with many of their caterpillars known as hornworms. It includes about 1,450 species. [1] It is best represented in the tropics, but species are found in every region. [2]
A sphinx moth appears in late afternoon and evening, and often visits night-blooming flowers. Here are some types of sphinx moths to know.
Here's how to identify sphinx moth caterpillars and sphinx moth pupa in your garden. Learn what to look for in the stages of the sphinx moth life cycle.
Some of the largest moths in the world belong to the hawk moth or Sphingid family within the order Lepidoptera (the animal order that includes butterflies and moths). These magnificent animals have long narrow wings and thick bodies.
Family Sphingidae - Sphinx Moths. Sphingidae from the type genus Sphinx (Linnaeus), for "the fancied resemblance of the larva, when in repose, to the Egyptian Sphinx." (1) Common name "Hornworm" due to the stiff pointy dorsal extension near the end of the abdomen of most larvae.
The Sphingidae are strong and fast fliers, with a rapid wingbeat. Most species in the group are active at dusk, and most feed much like hummingbirds, hovering in front of a flower and sipping nectar through the extended proboscis. The proboscis rolls up when not in use.
Sphinx moths are usually large and heavy bodied, with a long, pointed abdomen. They often hover near flowers, feeding on nectar via a very long proboscis (mouth tube or “tongue”). The forewings are generally long and pointed, although some species have angled or irregular margins.
Sphinx moths, also known as hawkmoths, fly fast and strong, with rapid wingbeats. Most are nocturnal, though some visit flowers during the day. Sphinx moths are medium to large in size, with thick bodies and wingspans of 5 inches or more.
Manduca rustica, the rustic sphinx, is a moth in the Sphingidae family (Figures 1 and 2). The moths in this family are called hawkmoths and the caterpillars are often referred to as hornworms, due to the horn-shaped protuberance found on their posterior end (Wagner 2010).
Sphingidae, also known as Hawk Moths and Sphinx Moths are found on every continent (except Antarctica) and are well known for being pollinators. Approximately 135 species of these magnificent insects can be found in the USA.