 Darapsa myron - Hodges#7885 (Virginia Creeper Sphinx). | Also known as Hog Sphinx, the Virginia Creeper Sphinx is common moth with wingspan of up to 65 mm. Its larvae feed on peppervine, viburnum, grape, and virginia creeper. The color of the adult moth can vary from brown to green or gray and the army-like camouflage can be more or less pronounced.
bug guide (this photo): http://bugguide.net/node/view/1085679 | ||
 Enyo lugubris - Hodges#7851 (Mournful Sphinx). | To be honest, I thought that I was photographing a hummingbird. However, this big moth is a Mournful Sphinx (Enyo lugubris). It made a humming sound while flying.
bug guide (these photos): http://bugguide.net/node/view/569709 wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Enyo_lugubris | ||
 Hemaris thysbe - Hodges#7853 (Hummingbird Clearwing). | Once again I initially thought that I am looking at a humingbird but this is a Hummingbird Clearwing Moth (Hemaris thysbe). It was very difficult to take a decent photo of this fast flying and very nervous moth. Its larvae feed on hawthorn, honeysuckle, and viburnum while
adults take nectar from deep-throated flowers like these petunias.
bug guide (these photos): http://bugguide.net/node/view/574795 moth photographers group: http://mothphotographersgroup.msstate.edu/species.php?hodges=7853 | ||
 Lapara coniferarum - Hodges#7816 | A very large moth that sat peacefully underneath our porch light. As the name suggests, this species can be found in coniferous and mixed forests containing pine trees. In Florida, adults fly year-round. bug guide (this photo): http://bugguide.net/node/view/998121 | ||
 Paonias myops - Hodges#7825 (Small-Eyed Sphinx). | The husband of my sister-in-law took this photo (thanks!). This strange looking moth is a small-eyed sphinx - Hodges#7825: Paonias myops. This Paonias species is one of three in the US. Some sphinx moths can fly with speeds of up to 30 mph and are also able to hover in midair. P. myops can feed on hawthorn and plum trees which we both have in our yard. This specimen measures close to 2'' and tries to blend into the brick facade of our house. bug guide (this photo): http://bugguide.net/node/view/545467 wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sphingidae | ||
 Xylophanes tersa - Hodges#7890 (Tersa Sphinx). | Another large moth. This is a Tersa Sphinx (Xylophanes tersa). Adult moths have a pointed abdomen and contrasting black and white markings on the hindwings. Also the snake-like caterpillars are very interesting and feature one large eyespot and six smaller ones. Phanes is a mystic primeval deity of procreation; xylo means wood. bug guide (this photo): http://bugguide.net/node/view/571826 silkmoths.com: http://www.silkmoths.bizland.com/xterster.htm |
