Ed. Note:  We originally conducted an offline correspondence (without an attached photo) with Cesar entertaining the possibilities of sighting a Carolina Sphinx in Brazil, presumably outside the range.  We responded that there are many similar looking species.

Sphinx Moth
Location: Pico do Jaraguá, São Paulo, Brazil
January 16, 2012 6:42 pm
As you suspected, my picture does not match with Carolina Hawk Moth.
Now, I think it is more related to Agrius singulata, the Pink-spotted Hawkmoth http://bugguide.net/node/view/339497/bgpage [and]
http://www.silkmoths.bizland.com/acingula.htm
It seems that I am more southern, anyway.
Signature: Cesar Crash

Pink Spotted Hawkmoth

Hi again Cesar,
We agree that this is most likely a Pink Spotted Hawkmoth.  Often moths with brown forewings have distinctive hind wings.  The underwings on this species are black and pink striped and the pink spots associated with the name can be found on the body.  Gently nudging the moth might have caused it to display the distinctive pink coloration.

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Anyone know what this pretty bug is?
Location: South Florida
November 30, 2011 2:09 pm
This bug was in our backyard. It caught my attention because it seemed to be having problems flying. I video taped it walking in circles ”dragging” it’s butt. When my Black Lab went to check it out it did fly a little but never went up in the air. It then just kept fluttering it’s wings like a warning for my Lab to go away. FYI .. My Lab didn’t hurt it.
Signature: Donna

Xylophanes pluto

Dear Donna,
We are so sorry for the delay.  Though we are posting your letter quite late, we are thrilled to be able to include it in our archive which prior to your letter had only one photo of this moth.  This is a Sphinx Moth, Xylophanes pluto, a lovely moth that is found in Florida and South Texas and tropical countries to the south according to the Sphingidae of the Americas website.  Thank you for including a side view that shows the yellow coloration on the underside of the body.  We are copying Bill Oehlke on our response and he may request additional information from you for the comprehensive database he has compiled on Sphinx Moths in North America.  We suspect this is a newly metamorphosed individual that recently emerged from its underground pupa.  It might have been waiting for its wings to fully expand, dry and harden before embarking on its maiden flight.

Xylophanes pluto

Sphinx moth?
Location: Sarasota, Florida
December 17, 2011 1:03 pm
Can you identify which species this 3 to 4 inch wingspan moth is?
Signature: John

Streaked Sphinx

Dear John,
We just learned on the Sphingidae of the Americas website that the common name for your moth, Protambulyx strigilis strigilis, is the Streaked Sphinx.  We are going to copy Bill Oehlke on our response as he may want to include your sighting data on his website since it is indicated that December sightings in Florida are not common.

Hi Daniel,

Thank you very much for the identification and the website!

John

Mystery Sphinx Moth?
Location: Eatonton GA (Middle GA)
November 10, 2011 10:42 am
Good morning!
I found this moth in my freshly picked beans. It flutters its wings much like a hummingbird type moth – the wings never stopped all the time I had him. He was found 11/10/11 in Middle GA in the vegetable garden and fortunately announced his presence and didn’t inadvertently become a photo in the Carnage section of the site…
Signature: Dixie Gardener

Mournful Sphinx

Hi Dixie Gardener,
This little Sphinx is a Mournful Sphinx, Enyo lugubris, and you may read more about it on the Sphingidae of the Americas website.

Thank you so much Daniel! What a cool moth – we have such a variety here. But I wish they ate cucumber beetles…