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Revision: Rare metamorphosis or rare insect, maybe
Please ignore my previous message sent last night. In my excitement, I looked through your great Web site, and upon further investigation tonight, saw that it is identified: "Your moth is a member of the Hawkmoth Family Sphingidae known as the Rustic Sphinx, Manduca rustica." << The first four pictures were taken within 14 minutes of each other around sunset in Tucson, Arizona. The bug was on my home’s doorstep. I see by looking on your Web site that it is a Rustic Sphinx moth, Manduca rustica. It didn’t seem able to move, and "posed" for my flash photography. I thought the unfolding of this newly metamorphosed moth’s wings was amazing. I have never seen this bug before, and neither have a few other long-time residents I asked. The last photo shows the handsome bug two hours later, still in exactly the same spot, almost ready to fly. Ta-dah! It took to the air a few minutes later.
Pamela

Hi Pamela,
Nice bit of sleuthing. We are thrilled to have your Rustic Sphinx metamorphosis images.

Related Posts

1. Rustic Sphinx (April 3, 2006)
2. Rustic Sphinx: A Side and Flip Side (October 16, 2005)
3. Rustic Sphinx (September 15, 2005)
4. Metamorphosis of the Rustic Sphinx (July 3, 2007)
5. Rustic Sphinx (August 4, 2007)