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Information on the Sphinx Moth

"Sphinx moth," "hummingbird moth" and "hawkmoth" are names given to moths of the Sphingidae family. These moths are generally moderate to large in size and, as, caterpillars have a "hook" protruding from their back ends. Although the hook might appear dangerous, it is generally harmless. Sphingidae can be found all over the world but are best represented in tropical environments where Sphingid larvae are thought to mimic snakes.

Sphingidae Family
- "Sphinx moth" is a name commonly given to moths of the Sphingidae family. Other names include hawk moths, hummingbird moths and hookworms (to describe Sphingidae larvae). There are over 1,200 species in the Sphingidae family, and different species can be found in every region of the world.
Eggs and Larvae
- Usually, female sphinx moths lay one single egg on a plant. The eggs are green in color, slightly see-through and flat. When the caterpillars emerge from the egg, they are equipped with five pairs of legs and "horns" on their back end. The colors of the caterpillars can be anywhere from green to brown or yellow or black with white spots. Diagonal lines on the sides of the caterpillars is common. The caterpillars received their nickname "sphinx moths" because of the way they hold their legs and tuck their heads beneath them. High temperatures speed development in caterpillars. The caterpillars either burrow into dirt or go into chrysalis and then emerge as adults within two to three weeks.
Adults
- After emerging from the soil or cocoon, it is noticeable that the antennaes of the moths are not feathery, like those of other moths. The frenulum and the retinculum join both the hindwings and the forewings together. Adults have a body covered in scales, including the abdomen, thorax and wings. Sexual dimorphism is quite noticeable in certain species of adult Sphingidae.
Diet
- The Sphingidae larvae usually feed on soft leaves--the younger and softer the better. The caterpillars mash the food up very well with their tiny mouths. They feed on leaves that contain toxins and, in fact, can tolerate high concentrations of certain toxins. Adults feed mainly on nectar. One species, the Death's-head-Hawkmoth, actually steals honey from bees. The Sphingids that fly at night prefer light-colored flowers with a sweet odor.
Flight
- Sphinx moths fly, but usually only for short periods of time. Dusk and dawn are the two most common times for Sphingids, but others may appear at night or even around midnight. Certain species can also appear during the day. Sphingids will vibrate their wings, as if to warm them up, before take off. The body temperatures of certain species have reached up to 104 degrees Fahrenheit during flight.

Insects & Science