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Tersa Sphinx

Posted by April 16th, 2009 at 11:03 pm

Categories

Hummingbird Moths, Sphinx Moths or Hawk Moths

moth
Thu, Apr 16, 2009 at 2:26 PM
I noticed this moth on my back porch and can not find out what type of moth it is. Any ideas?
CP
Savannah, Georgia

tersa cp 300x285 Tersa Sphinx

Tersa Sphinx

Dear CP,
This gorgeous streamlined moth is known as a Tersa Sphinx, Xylophanes tersa.  We frequently get reports of the distinctive caterpillars feeding on Pentas.  According to BugGuide the caterpillar has:  “One large eyespot and six smaller ones progressing down the body, with a light stripe roughly bisecting the eyespots. Black “horn” on rear end.  Both green and brown forms are known.  In earlier instars, smaller eyespots are barely visible and striping more pronounced.”

tersa cp 2 230x300 Tersa Sphinx

Tersa Sphinx

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