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Happy Friday the 13th!!! It’s your lucky day because it’s time again for another edition of Friday Flyers. We sometimes wonder what to tell you about because the topic of insects is so extensive. Just to give you an idea, if we featured a different moth family every week, it would take us 2 years to complete the list!!! But don’t worry; there will NOT be a test. Friday Flyers is supposed to be FUN as well as informative. So this week we want to introduce you to the Sphingidae. That’s the Latinized family name for Sphinx moths.
Sphinx moths are a family of over 1,200 species worldwide, ranging from medium to large in size, and resident on all continents but Antarctica. In most of the rest of the world Sphinx moths are commonly called Hawkmoths, (even though they don’t look like or fly like hawks). Their typical distinguishing traits are their large bodies, narrow wings, long tongues, and their ability to fly very fast. A few Sphinx moths are day-flyers, bust most fly at night. This explains why most people have never seen a Sphinx moth, and why they are so surprised that creatures this interesting actually live in their neighborhoods. Those of you who plant a garden every year may have seen one of their caterpillars on your tomato plants. One of the most common Sphinx moths is commonly called a “Tomato Worm” or a “Tomato Hornworm”. The “hornworm” name comes from the fact that most Sphinx caterpillars have a spike on their back end that looks like a tail or even a stinger. But it is harmless; it’s just for show. Another reason why few people are familiar with Sphinx moths is because their caterpillars do not make silken cocoons like some other large moths. Sphinx caterpillars burrow into the ground when ready to enter their metamorphosis phase, and emerge as adults having transformed in the relative safety of their burrow.
Sphinx moths are most often well camouflaged when resting, usually resembling tree bark or dead leaves. But there are some colorful members of the family too, most frequently on their hind wings which are hidden when at rest. Sphinx moths feed like hummingbirds, hovering in front of the flowers, but never resting on them. Some Sphinx moths seem to be deliberately adapted to certain flowers where the nectar is hard to reach. Certain species of Sphinx moths have tongues that are 3 to 4 times their body length!!! This allows them to get the nectar that other pollinators like bees cannot reach. Sphinx moths are very strong flyers, and can easily travel the equivalent of several miles in one night.
Because of their unique shapes and interesting life cycles, Sphinx moths have always been a favorite among collectors. In our Wonders Of Nature department we normally have several species on display. One of our favorites is called a Rustic Sphinx. It’s fairly large, has a bold black and white pattern, and is found in various forms from Canada to Argentina. We have one of these beauties framed in one of our ”New Collector’s” specially priced frames for only $20!!! It makes a perfect collection starter for a young insect enthusiast, or even for those of you who are renewing your interest after a long absence from the hobby. Everybody seems to love this Sphinx. And remember, we are always happy to try to fill an order for your special request species. See you soon. And don’t forget to share our Friday Flyers with your friends.
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A
picture we took on one of our butterfly research trips to the
tropics. This is a Xylophanes Sphinx moth.
A
picture we took on one of our butterfly research trips to the
tropics. This is a Xylophanes Sphinx moth. Many consider this
species to be the most beautiful. It is one of only a handful of
vibrant green moths!
A picture we took on one of our butterfly research trips to the tropics. This is an Adhemarius Sphinx moth. We often have these framed for sale in our Wonders room!
The "Tomato Hornworm", a Sphinx moth caterpillar. These are commonly found on tomato plants in gardens across the US. They are harmless, and turn into an amazing moth!
A picture we took on one of our butterfly research trips to the tropics. This is an Adhemarius Sphinx moth. There are about a half-dozen species in this genus, and all rest in this boomerang shape.
A picture we took on one of our butterfly research trips to the tropics. This is a rare day-flying Sphinx moth. There are several US cousins of this species.
One of the more colorful Sphinx moths from South America! We took this picture on one of our research trips to the tropics. This species can be found in both North and South America.
A South American Adhemarius Sphinx moth in a Riker Mount frame. We have this one in our Wonders of Nature room, priced at only $20!
The Rustic Sphinx moth, in a Riker Mount frame. We have this one in our Wonders of Nature room, priced at only $20!
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