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Vine Sphinx
(05/26/2006) Lovely moth in Austin
Hi,
I've attached a photo we took this evening of a really pretty
moth. It had flown into our garage and couldn't figure out
how to leave. It conveniently landed to rest on the pegboard
that measures 1 inch between holes! The design on the wings
was three dimensional; most amazing! Would you identify it
for us?
Thanks,
Karen & TJ Lamphier
Hi Karen and TJ,
There are two closely related species of Sphinx Moths, the
Banded
Sphinx Moth, Eumorpha fasciatus fasciatus, and the Vine
Sphinx Moth, Eumorpha vitis vitis, that are very difficult
for us to distinguish from one another. To further complicate
the matter, you are within the range of both species. We believe
your moth is the Vine Sphinx. The larvae feed on the foilage
of grape and other vines.
Oleander Hawk Moth
(05/22/2006) Oleander Sphinx Moth picture
Dearest Bugman,
Our 9 year old daughter came running into the house late one
evening. "DADDY!! There's a HUGE butterfly outside on
the wall!! Nature lovers that we are, I went running outside
in my pajamas, followed by our 13 year old son, to gaze on
the latest wonders of creation. Lo and behold, one of the
largest, most beautiful moths ever seen! We named it the "camouflage
moth", as the colors were swirls of various shades of
shimmering green, with some peach tinges thrown in for variety.
The body was thick and heavy. We took some pictures and kept
it for a couple of days to show the neighbors. When we sent
it off, it flew off in a straight line with a low-pitched
hum. I recently ran across your wonderful bug identification
website, and was able to identify our friend as an Oleander
Sphinx, Deilephila [Daphnis] nerii. Correct? There happen
to be some oleander bushes in the park next door, so maybe
that is why we were treated to the visit. We live in a northern
neighborhood of Jerusalem, Israel. Thanks for a beautiful
and informative website!
Moshe
Hi Moshe,
Thank you for your touching letter. It is wonderful that your
photo has a hand for scale, revealing the size of your Oleander
Hawk Moth.
One Eyed Sphinx
(05/19/2006) Mystery Moth
Hello Bugman,
Thank goodness you exist! I have been searching for hours
trying to identify this moth. This moth was on the side of
our house this morning. We live in Seattle, Washington. I
have never seen a moth of this particular shape and size before.
The wing span is approximately 3 inches. The antennae have
very bright red bands of color on them. If you have the chance,
could you please tell me what species of moth this is? Thank
you very much! p.s. We look forward to exploring your web
site and learning more about all the cool insects! Thank you,
Teresa
Hi Teresa,
This looks to us like The One Eyed Sphinx or Cerisy's Sphinx,
Smerinthus cerisyi. You can locate more information on Bill
Oehlke's excellent Sphingidae
Site.
Blinded Sphinxes Mating
(05/17/2006) What's this moth?
Hi! I'm trying to ID a pair of mating moths my son and I found
today. Michael of wormspit.com directed me to your page of
a Cerisy's Sphynx but the underwing looks more like a Blinded
Sphynx. (definite "eye" spot and a salmon/pink color)
Here's the picture we took today. They are on a gooseberry
bush. Can you tell what it is?
Thank you,
Lady Eleyn Scrivener
Dear Lady Eleyn Scrivener.
A location would be helpful as there are many similar looking
insects in far reaching parts of the world. If you are in
the continental U.S., we believe you are correct that this
is a pair of Blinded Sphinxes, Paonias excaecata. Your photo
is a lovely addition to our site.
Bedstraw Hawk Moth
(05/14/2006) moth love!
I wonder if you might tell me about this amorous pair. I photographed
them in July in Cooperstown New York. Love the website!
Thanks
Lisa Lazar
Hi Lisa,
This is the first photo we have received of the adult Bedstraw
Hawk Moth, Hyles gallii. We have received images of the caterpillar
in the past. Bill Oehlke has information on this moth on his
wonderful Sphingidae
site.
Wow! My photos made the front page of WHAT'S THAT BUG! There's
a wildflower called "Our Lady's Bedstraw" which when I looked
it up, also had the word "galium" in the Latin name, just
like the moth does. Matresses must have been filled with this
material, which was clearly particularly attractive to this
moth... I found these two articles:
http://www.answers.com/topic/hummingbird-hawk-moth
http://www.judywoods.dial.pipex.com/plants/associations.html#anchor17891
Thanks for your speedy reply. I find your website completely
engrossing!
Lisa Lazar
Small Eyed Sphinx
(05/05/2006) What is this...
Love the site, and have a moth question for you. Can you identify
this for me please? I'm having trouble finding something with
this wing shape.
Charles
Hi Charles,
Bill Oehlke's excellent Sphinx
Moth site has information on the Small-Eyed Sphinx, Paonias
myops.
Ello Sphinx
(05/05/2006) Big Eyed Moth
Hi Bugman!
I have one more insect for you from the Dominican. I suspect
that you might not be able to help me, but I’m rather
intrigued by this moth… It’s eyes are so huge!
The moth itself was rather large as well. Probably between
1 1⁄2 and 2 inches long. Even if you could give me any
sort of direction on this insect, and then I could continue
to try and identify it online. I really appreciate any info
you could dig up.
Thanks Again!
Yvonne
Hi Yvonne,
This is a Sphinx Moth, but we are unsure of the species. Try
checking Bill Oehlke's excellent website.
Hello Bugman, Thank you for referring me to Bill Oehlke's
site. I emailed him this morning and he has informed me that
my specimen is Erinnyis ello, a Sphingidae (hawkmoth). He
included some links as well.
http://www.silkmoths.bizland.com/eello.htm
http://www.silkmoths.bizland.com/SphOntario.htm
I appreciate your help in identifying this moth. Have a great
day!
Yvonne Metcalfe
Barrie, Ontario
Gaudy Sphinx
(04/29/2006) Green Moth in Ecuador
Hello!
My husband & I really enjoyed looking at your site! We
are currently in Quito, Ecuador and discovered this large
moth that looked like a green leaf. Upon examining it (while
it was sitting on some ivy) it crawled into my hand! To my
surprise, it stayed on my hand long enough for us to get quite
a few pictures. We think it may be some sort of Sphinx Moth,
but did not see it on your site. Can you help us identify
it?
Thanks so much!!
Miranda
Hi Miranda,
We have gotten photos of the Gaudy Sphinx, Eumorpha labruscae,
from Florida and it ranges through the Caribbean and Central
America to Argentina.
Ficus Sphinx
(04/26/2006) huge moth in Miami
Dear What's That Bug,
This huge moth -- I think it's a moth -- flew into our kitchen
in Miami tonight, and hung out quietly on the ceiling the
whole evening. It measured almost 4 inches from wingtip to
wingtip. Can you help me identify it?
Thanks!
Tim
Hi Tim,
The Ficus Sphinx is one of the Hawk Moths.
Banded Sphinx
(04/23/2006) Incredible moth
This is a moth right? What kind is it? I found it sitting
on our begonias. I live in Central FL. Thanks for your info.
Tracey Earley
Hi Tracey,
The Banded Sphinx, Eumorpha fasciatus, really is a stunning
moth. The larval food plants include evening primrose and
water primrose.
Oleander
Sphinx: Caterpillar and Adult; and lovely caterpillar
(04/19/2006) What kind of caterpillas & mothsr?
Hello WTB,
I found this little guy (8 cm long) enjoying the shoots on
my newly acquired Desert Rose (Adenium Obesum). I live about
20 km south of Pattaya, Thailand. Thought I would attempt
to identify it before relocating it where it would not eat
my beautiful shrubs! >From your site it looks like a Oleander
Sphinx Hawkmoth. Can you experts please confirm. I then looked
for the corresponding moth, and believe I saw one a few years
ago in Pattaya when I was waiting at the local car wash. Photo
attached. Can you also confirm please. This morning I found
another caterpillar attacking my other Desert Rose but could
not find anything similar on your site. Any ideas please?
I also took a photo this morning of a very hairy looking moth
by my back door. Again, any ideas what it is? Thanks and best
wishes. You have a great site.
Chris
 
Hi Chris,
You have correctly identified both the caterpillar and adult
of the Oleander Sphinx, Daphnis nerii. We believe your mystery
caterpillar is one of the Milkweed Butterflies related to
the Monarch. We are not sure what the Desert Rose is, but
if it has a milky sap, that would support our guess.
Fig
Sphinx: caterpillar and adult
(04/19/2006) Pachylia Scyses scyses?? Or Fig Sphinx?
I love your site as you must realize because I keep sending
you things to identify. I found what looked like a ficus sphinx
on your site, but the caterpillar is totally different from
those shown for this moth. The caterpillar and the moth are
shown in these two photos. The caterpillar ate ficus leaves.
It began making a pupa shortly after I took photos of it and
the moth that emerged is the one shown here. I live in Costa
Rica.
Mary Thorman
 
Hi Mary,
You have a Ficus Sphinx, Pachylia ficus. The caterpillars
have several different color variations. Thank you for sending
in this awesome striped variation. To add to the confusion,
there are subspecies and regional variations. Caterpillars
are notoriously difficult to identify which is why the host
plant is so helpful.
Mating Clearwing Sphinxes
(04/15/2006) bug love photo
Here's another photo of hummingbird clearwing moths mating.
I guess flowers really do work. This was taken in Memphis,
TN.
Tim Doyle
Hi Tim,
Thanks for the wonderful photo of mating Clearwing Sphinxes.
We have difficulty distinguishing the species, but we believe
this is the Snowberry Clearwing, Hemaris diffinis.
Oleander Hawkmoth and another Sphinx
(04/15/2006) Hummingbird Moth and another in Zambia, Africa
I am a Canadian, and freelance journalist, living in Zambia
(for the last 3 years) where my husband is a commercial pilot.
The hummingbird moth in Zambia is fascinating to watch and
I would like to do a story about this for a Zambian Travel
publication. Thank you for your website which is very interesting.
I am attaching a photograph I was able to take of the ‘Zambian’
hummingbird moth in my garden. I would be most grateful if
you could identify (conclusively) for me its name and any
other insights you may have. One aspect that I have noticed
is - it only comes out to eat at the flowers after a rain
shower or indeed during light rains. I am also attaching a
photo of another moth that I recently discovered on our car
tyre. I did not see it in flight but was astounded by its
beauty and would appreciate any information you can give me
on this too. Many thanks for your help.Yours sincerely,
Gillian Slade
 
Hi Gillian,
First you should know that Hummingbird Moth does not refer
to a single species. Moths in the family Sphingidae are referred
to commonly as Sphinx Moths. Some are also known collectively
as Hawkmoths or Hummingbird Moths. Hummingbird Moths are usually
day flying species that are often confused for Hummingbirds.
That said, we do not know what species your Hummingbird Moth
is. The photo isn't detailed enough. Your other moth is a
member of the same family and is commonly referred to as the
Oleander Hawkmoth, Daphnis nerii. Hope that helps begin your
story research.
Rustic
Sphinx and Snowberry Clearwing
(04/14/2006) Moth (Snowberry Clearwing??)
Hi,
We just bought a house in Alabama and it seems that it has
a plethora of unique wildlife. I was out by my pool and there
was this strange "bird-bee" foraging through the
flowers. I captured one and thought it was a Nessus Sphinx,
but it doesn't have the two distinct lines above the tail.
Then I thought it may be the Snowberry Clearwing, but it has
a yellow head with a black stripe (vertically) and the yellow
appears to go down its back in a "V" shape. It does
have clear wings and a "bird like" apearance. I
snapped some pictures of it while in the jar, but I fear that
none may be suitable for identification purposes. Also, its
tail isn't depictied well in my photos. It has the 3 part
tail like the Nessus Sphinx, but that is not visible in the
pictures. I also have photographs of a moth that I believe
to be the Rustic Sphinx (they were taken in El Paso, TX).
I have included those as well. Any help that you may be able
to give with the identification of these insects would be
appreciated. Thank you!! Great site, by the way!! Very informative!!
Danielle Jones
(04/23/2006) School Needs Answers
Dear Bugman, I wrote to you earlier and sent in a couple of
photographs of what I believed to be the Snowberry Clearwing
Moth and also a Rustic Sphinx Moth. I would normally be far
more patient than I appear to be at this time, but I have
a whole school waiting for your reply. My father-in-law is
the principal at Groves Elementary in Texas (I live in Jasper,
Alabama which is the origin of the moth) and I gave him the
moth when we visited him at Easter. He, in turn, turned it
over to his science teachers who are actively awaiting a response
from me. I gave him your website info and he informed me that
he and his science teachers loved the site and will be using
it for future reference. Everyone that I have shared this
site with, LOVES it. It is tremendously informative and very
well put together. I know that you get several emails every
day, but I was just hoping that you could help in this identification
as soon as possible. The kids were so excited to have a moth
that they have never seen before and now we just need a "name
to go with the face". Thank you so much for any assistance
you may be able to give us.
Danielle Jones
 
Hi Danielle,
Sorry for the delay, but it is impossible to answer every
letter. We found your original letter with the images, and
have a vague recollection of opening the first very large
file and finding a photo too blurry to identify. We never
attempted to open the others and just moved to anothe letter,
intending to return when time permitted. Then we were overwhelmed
with incoming mail and your letter was relegated to the dead
letter file which we occasionally sift through. Your Rustic
Sphinx is a correct identification. The Snowberry Clearwing
is probably correct, but there are several very similar species
as well as much variation within the species. We will say
that it is probably a Snowberry Clearwing, but it is at least
in the same genus Hemaris.
Achemon Sphinx
(04/12/2006) achemon sphinx moth?
I have visited your site many times for bug ID, have sent
pictures for ID and even visit just to see what others are
finding, very interesting site. Attached is a picture of what
I think is a achemon sphinx moth. I saw a picture on your
website and it looks the same, just looking for verification.
Found in Sebring, Florida April 2006. Keep up the great work.
Mike D
Hi Mike,
You are correct. Thank you for sharing your close encounter
with an Achemon
Sphinx, Eumorpha achemon. Unlike our previous photo, yours
shows the pink coloration of the underwings.
a pair of Striped Morning Sphinxes
(04/05/2006) 2 striped morning sphinx?
Thank you so much for making this site available. My family
had seen these two in our backyard and had no idea what they
were. We did a search for bug and humingbird and found your
site. I think they are a couple of striped morning sphinx.
Thanks again,
Trey in Texas
Hi Trey,
You are absolutely correct.
Rustic Sphinx
(04/03/2006) Rustic Sphinx?
This fella landed on my screen and has been there for hours.
Unusual size for a moth in this region of South Florida (Broward
County), although we are only a few miles from the Everglades.
Please confirm this is a Rustic Sphinx? It lacks the yellow
color typical of them
Thanks
Ed
Hi Ed,
This is indeed Manduca rustica, the Rustic Sphinx.
Mournful Sphinx
(03/31/2006) What is it?
A co-worker of mine took this photo at her home. Can you tell
us what this is? It looks somewhat like a bird that resembles
a leaf. Is it a bird or an insect? We would appreciate it
if you could find out for us. Our curiosity is getting the
best of us. We look forward to hearing from you
My name is Judy.
 
Hi Judy,
This is an insect. It is a Sphinx Moth but we are uncertain
of the species. Before we do any additional research, we need
to know where this photo was taken to help narrow down the
possibilities.
Thanks for writing back. My co-worker took this photo at her
home in Vermilion Parish, Louisiana. She lives next to Lake
Peigneor. This was take just before the hurricanes that arrived
in September of 2005. Does this help?
Once you provided us with a location, we quickly located
the Mournful Sphinx, Enyo lugubris lugubris, on Bill
Oehlke's site.
Gaudy Sphinx from Cuba
(03/09/2006) unknown moth
Hi Bugman,
Would you happen to know what kind of moth this is. I saw
it in Cuba in February 2006.
Thanks,
Darren
Hi Darren,
This beautiful moth is a Gaudy Sphinx and we sometimes get
reports of them from Florida.
Ficus Sphinx
(03/07/2006) sphinx moth
Hello Mr. Bugman
- love, love, love your site! Would love (apparently I'm loving
a lot of things) to know the type of sphinx moth this is.
Photo taken in Southeastern Florida. Thanks for your site
and thanks for your time!
Amy
Hi Amy,
Thanks for your complimentary letter. This is a Ficus Sphinx,
Pachylia ficus. You can get more information on Bill
Oehlke's excellent site.
Eumorpha capronnieri: Sphinx from Tobago
(02/22/2006) hawkmoth from the island of Tobago
photographed a week or so ago on the island of Tobago, W.
I. Wingspread about 4 1/2 inches. Any ideas?
Arthur C. Borror.
Dear Arthur,
We have been obsessed with identifying your Sphinx Moth, and
we appreciate the efforts you took to get us the image. After
searching well over 100 species on Bill Oehlke's excellent
site, we located Eumorpha
capronnieri, which is found in Venezuala. This looks like
a perfect match for your lovely moth.
Many thanks for the "obsessing" re my snapshot of Eumorpha
caponnieri. I visited the Bill Oehlke site, found his description,
and agree w yr diagnosis. I've been interested in Lepidoptera
all my life, stimulated by my father, Donald J. Borror, author
of "An Introduction to the Study of Insects" as well as Peterson
Series field guide on insects. He would have been amazed at
the modern technology! Many thanks again for the help.
Tersa
Sphinx
(02/16/2006)
Hello Mr. Bugman
I found this bug in my driveway... I have no clue what it
is. Hopefully, you can recognize it with just the picture.
Thanks,
Fernando
Hi Fernando,
This moth is a Tersa Sphinx, Xylophanes tersa
Australian Hawk Moth might be Coequosa australasiae
(02/16/2006) Hi,
I, Herison Ralainony, would like to know if you could identify
this moth for me. I reside in Australia.
Thanks
Herison Ralainony
Hi Herison,
Your moth is a Sphinx Moth or Hawk Moth in the family Sphingidae.
We located a wonderful website
with photos of both Hawk Moths and their caterpillars from
Australia, but a cursory search did not provide an exact match.
A more thorough search of the likliest candidate, Coequosa
australasiae, let us to another
page that shows enough individual variation that we are
almost certain, Coequosa australasiae is your moth.
Striped Morning Sphinx
(02/15/2006) Turned on the overhead light in the porch of
my home in Tucson, AZ and can't identify this bug.
Hi there,
I was out last night, turned on the overhead light of our
porch and found this bug flying around the light. I turned
of the light and it proceeded to cling to the wall of the
house next to the door. In fact, I believe it flew into me
as I enter the house. Good thing it did not enter the house
or there would have been mayhem with our two indoor cats.
Anyway, I have attached a picture I took with my Canon 10D
+ Flash titled UFI (unidentified flying insect). Perhaps you
can tell me what it is. It looks like a moth, and if it is,
it's certainly one I have never seen before.
Thanks in advance,
Stuart Levine
Tucson, AZ
Hi Stuart,
Your moth is a Striped Morning Sphinx, also known as a White
Lined Sphinx. They are common throughout the U.S. and are
often attracted to lights.
Pink Spotted Hawk Moth
(02/06/2006) Help with ID
Hi,
We need help in identifying this beautiful guy. He was flying
like a hummingbird after dark one evening. The next morning
he was sitting on a screen door and allowed the owner to move
him from the screen door to the porch rail post. The stayed
there all day, allowed us to "pet" him at which
point he opened his wings and allowed the colored body to
show. His body length was 2-2 1/2" long. He left after
dark the next day. This spotting is in Pharr Texas.
Thanks
Ken Saylor
Hi Ken,
This is a Pink Spotted Hawk Moth, Agrius cingulatus. It is
in the family Sphingidae, also known as Sphinx Moths or Hummingbird
Moths.
Oleander
Hawk Moth
(01/30/2006) Identify
Hi,
Loved your site, very helpful. A month ago, a moth took its
last flight straight to my front door entrance in Israel.
I tried to identify it, but I'm not sure, is it Daphnis nerii?
If yes, doesn't it supposed to have purple spots instead of
brown ones?
Thanks,
Hilla
Hi Hilla,
You are correct, this is an Oleander Hawkmoth. Sometimes there
is individual color variation.
Pacific
Green Sphinx
(01/25/2006)
I first saw a moth like this two nights ago under an outside
light. Tonight there
were several of them. It is beautiful. Can you tell me what
it is? By the way, I'm from the Sierra Foothills in California.
Rachel Oliver
Hi Rachel,
This is a Pacific Green Sphinx, Arctonotus lucidus. They fly
from January to March, and you are lucky enough to have witnessed
the event. More information can be found at this government
site.
Oleander Hawkmoth
(01/16/2006) Pandora sphinx
Here are a couple of pics I was just wondering if you can
tell me a little about it. I live i Hawaii and its the first
time Ive seen one. It has been in the same spot for two days
know. Well thats about it, I know what it is just cant really
find out anything about them. Other than that just thought
you might like the pictures.
Miguel
Hi MIguel,
Your moth is not a Pandora Sphinx, but an Oleander Hawkmoth,
Deilephila nerii or Daphnis nerii. Both are green moths and
could be easily confused. According to Bill
Oehlke's excellent site: "The Oleander Hawk Moth, Deilephila
nerii or Daphnis nerii (Wing span: 90--110mm) is primarily
associated with "the southern Mediterranean region, North
Africa and the Middle East to Afghanistan (Ebert, 1969). Along
the Mediterranean, there is no clear distinction between resident
and migrant populations. Permanent populations exist in suitable
locations in Sicily, Crete and Cyprus; however, over a number
of favourable years further colonies may be established in
those islands and also in southern Italy and southern Greece,
all of which die out during a hard winter." "Extra-limital
range. From Afghanistan eastward to south-east Asia and the
Philippines; as a migrant, it penetrates northwards into central
Europe and central southern Asia. In 1974, this species was
recorded as having established itself in Hawaii (Beardsley,
1979). " Later the site states: "Deilephila nerii 'rests by
day, either on a solid surface or suspended among foliage
with which it blends; the head is tucked in, with the thorax
and abdomen raised off the underlying substrate. Most emerge
late in the evening but do not take flight until just before
dawn, to feed avidly from such flowers as Nicotiana, Petunia,
Lonicera, Saponaria and Mirabilis. Thereafter, flight periods
are mainly just after dusk and before dawn. Under warm conditions,
adults are extremely wary and, if disturbed, will take flight
even during daylight hours.' " The host food plant for the
caterpillar is the Oleander and the use of this plant as an
ornamental is primarily responsible for the range expansion.
Leafy Spurge Hawkmoth
(01/14/2006) What is the common and scientific name of this
moth?
I photographed this moth in my back yard last summer in Billings
MT. Thank you,
Rainer Connell.
Hi Rainer,
This is the first photo we have gotten of the adult Leafy
Spurge Hawkmoth, Hyles euphorbiae. We have received several
images of the conspicusly marked and colored caterpillar.
According to Bill
Oehlke's awesome website: "The leafy spurge hawk moth,
Hyles euphorbiae (length: 2-3 cm, wingspan: 5-7 cm), was the
first classical biological agent released against leafy spurge
in the United States, with approval for introduction granted
in 1965. Populations of this insect are present in several
western states, including Montana, Idaho, North Dakota and
Oregon. The moth was also introduced from Europe into Ontario,
Canada, and then into Alberta where specimens are occasionally
still taken. I recently received an image of larva (July 2003)
from Neepawa, Manitoba." We tried locating this species on
BugGuide and there is no posting. May we post your image there
as well?
Yes, you may post my photo.Thank you for your help in identifing
this moth. I have sent you an identified photograph. I am
a 12 year old photographer. My mom caught this moth on our
fence and put it in the fridge for a few minutes so I could
photograph it. I finally got around to identifing it and could
not find it in any books so I e-mailed you. Thank you for
all the help and I will e-mail you if I need any more insects
identified.
Rainer
Lime
Hawk Moth
(01/03/2006) Moth
Hello Bugman,
Can you help me identify this moth which I found in my garden,
I live in the UK.
Thanks
Simon
Hi Simon,
A little web research and we located your lovely Sphinx Moth,
the Lime Hawk Moth. Lime is probably a reference to the color
since the food plants are listed as "Tilia ,Prunus ,Betula
,B. verrucosa ,Alnus glutinosa ,A. incana ,Ulmus glabra" on
this site
with nice images. We located an additional site
with much information.
Update (04/11/2006) Anita and the Sphinx!!!
lime sphinx additional note, and an image for fun! Dear Bugman
What a gift you are to us all, and to bugs and the buggable
everywhere! I have a quick comment to add to your ID on Jan
03 of this year of a Lime Sphinx seen by a UK resident. Actually,
the "lime" in the name IS a reference to the food plant: Tilia
cordata, what we in US call Little-leaf Linden, is native
to the UK, where it is a Little Leaf Lime. All the Lindens
are called "Limes" on the other side of the pond, I have no
idea why since no relation to the citrus fruit that I can
figure out... may be an interesting story behind that! And
for fun, here is me (on a bad hair day!) on my father's front
deck in Cecil County, Maryland with a sphinx moth, prob. Eumorpha
pandorus, freshly emerged with nice color tho you can't see
much detail in this shot...
Best,
Anita
Thanks for the update and clarification Anita. We are
running your photo on the homepage now and it will remain
with the original letter you cited.
Oleander Hawk Moth
(12/23/2005) some kind of Sphinx Moth???
Well this is one of our more colorful moths, is it some kind
of Sphinx moth? I live in "upcountry" 2500 ft Hawaii
in Waimea where it is often cooler and misty. In Nov and Dec,
we get these moths. I have seen the larva and they are too
creepy for me to pick up, but the moths are "all tuckered
out" and lathargic. They will stay on one wall in a quiet
place for at least 2 days. I like the shape of the wings and
subtle coloration, and the little turned up tail. Reminds
me of a sea plane for some reason. What are the pros and cons
of such a critter?
Jock Goodman
btw I shot this with an old 3 Mp sony DSC S-70 digital camera
that I still like best for macro even though I am on my 4
th camera after this dinosaur. I use a Nikon D-70s for sports,(surfing,
rodeo, moto X races) and landscapes.
Hi Jock
Your Sphinx is an Oleander Hawk Moth, Deilephila nerii or
Daphnis nerii, depending upon the author. According to Bill
Oehlke's site the range is: "the southern Mediterranean
region, North Africa and the Middle East to Afghanistan" but
the moth is included in the Hawaii section of his site since
it was recorded as having established itself there in 1974.
The host plant is oleander. If the lovely insect is to be
accused of any bad behavior, it would come from oleander enthusiasts
who are upset at loosing some blossoms and leaves due to the
caterpillar's ravenous appetites. We would love a caterpillar
photo sometime.
Gaudy Sphinx
(12/22/2005) green moth
Hello, I am in need of help with identification for this sphinx
moth. I have found some green moths that may be possible (Vega,
Virginia Creeper, Satellite) and some with the blue on underwings
(Cerisy, Twin-spotted, Eyed Hawk) but none with both. How
much do the patterns or colors vary with these moth species?
I really enjoy searching your site and hope you will be able
to help.
Thanks, Karen
West Palm Beach, FL
 
Hi Karen,
Long ago we got a photo of a Gaudy Sphinx adult and we recently
posted a photo of its snakelike caterpillar. The Gaudy Sphinx,
Eumorpha labruscae, is tropical and subtropical, and is found
in the southern states, expecially Florida. Sometimes it strays
as far north as Pennsylvania. Here is more information on
this government
page. Your battered but still beautiful Gaudy Sphinx is
a welcome addition to our site.
Hummingbird
Clearwing Moth
(12/15/2005) Thought you might enjoy this picture of a hummingbird
clearwing moth (I think). This was shot in northeastern PA
at about 1/1000 shutter speed, illustrating the wings nicely.
Jim Pawelczyk
Hi Jim,
Thank you for the wonderfully detailed image.
Fig
Sphinx
(12/11/2005)
Any Idea what this moth is? Found it in Tulum Mexico
William
Hi William,
This is a Fig Sphinx Moth, Pachylia ficus. As its name implies,
the larval food is the leaves of trees in the Ficus group,
Figs.
Rustic Sphinx
(12/07/2005) What is this?
My husband saw this giant moth on a tree in the company parking
lot today. It is a cold 65 degrees outside here in Phoenix,
Arizona!
Thanks!
This is a Rustic Sphinx Moth and we get many reports from
Arizona.
Oleander
Hawkmoth: Conspiracy Theory
(11/29/2005) ??
Dear Bugman
What's this bug?! My son needs to know for his
school project, hoping you can help.
Many Thanks
James
Hi James,
In exchange for helping your son on his project, we are hoping
you will write us back and tell us where you photographed
this lovely Oleander Hawkmoth. We have located it on Bill
Oehlke's awesome site. According to the site: "The Oleander
Hawk Moth, Deilephila nerii or Daphnis nerii (Wing span: 90--110mm)
is primarily associated with the southern Mediterranean region,
North Africa and the Middle East to Afghanistan (Ebert, 1969).
Along the Mediterranean, there is no clear distinction between
resident and migrant populations. Permanent populations exist
in suitable locations in Sicily, Crete and Cyprus; however,
over a number of favourable years further colonies may be
established in those islands and also in southern Italy and
southern Greece, all of which die out during a hard winter.
Extra-limital range. From Afghanistan eastward to south-east
Asia and the Philippines; as a migrant, it penetrates northwards
into central Europe and central southern Asia. In 1974, this
species was recorded as having established itself in Hawaii
(Beardsley, 1979). " So James, where are you?
Ed Note:((12/01/2005)
Over the next several days we received the same image from
several people. Here was our written response and the followup:
Why is everyone sending in this exact photo for identification?
I sent a detailed response to James two days ago and now two
people from your government organization have sent in the
same image. We are beginning to suspect a conspiracy theory.
sorry we are doing an xmas quiz and identifying the moth is
one of the questions, thank you for your help.
Rustic Sphinx
(11/21/2005) What is this creature?
Found this guy outside on a cooler day in late October. We
live in Mesa, Arizona. We also found a rather large cocoon
(approximately 4inches) while replacing a broken water line.
JB and Shell
Hi JB and Shell,
This is a Rustic Sphinx Moth, Manduca rustica.
Pink Spotted Hawkmoth
(10/29/2005) Hawk Moth?
I saw your sight and was wondering if the attached picture
is a hawk moth. I took it on the North Carolina coast in September.
Thanks
Sid Cullingham
Hi Sid,
Nice photo of a Pink Spotted Hawkmoth.
Small Eyed Sphinx
(10/20/2005) need help identifying two hawk moths
Hello Bugman:
I am an amateur entomologist. I've collected some hawkmoths
out here in Glasgow, KY. Through your website I have been
able to identify most of them. With respect to the first picture,
in the left column, from top to bottom, is a waved sphinx,
tersa sphinx, and pandorus sphinx. Next, in the middle column,
the bottom moth is a virginia creeper sphinx, but I do not
know what the top one is. Then in the right column I only
know that the middle one is a pink-spotted hawkmoth and the
bottom one is a laurel sphinx. If you could help me to identify
the two that I am having trouble with, I would truly appreciate
it. I want to make a display case with the names attached.
Here are my _guesses_ with the two I am unable to identify.
The top middle one is a small-eyed sphinx, but could it also
be a huckelberry or blinded? The top right one is an elm sphinx,
I think. But when I looked at the picture on the "Moths
of Kentucky" website I wasn't entirely sure. Please help
me at your earliest convenience.
Thank you!
Justin Monts
Glasgow, KY
Hi Justin,
We frequently use Bill Oehlke's site for identification. We
agree with the Small Eyed Sphinx identification. It matches
the image on the bizland
site. We aren't sure about the other one. We are not convinced
it is an Elm Sphinx.
Banded Sphinx
(10/18/2005) In humid, hot, buggy South Texas
Last month, I was staying at a ranch far from town in the
buggy river bottom country near the Texas Gulf Coast, north
of Refugio, September 21st, 2005. Out on a brightly lit patio/porch,
about 10 p.m. at night, this beautiful moth was hanging out
on a large fiddle leaf fig growing in a pot. Can you tell
me and the rancher what this is? Thanks very much.
Diana Claitor, Austin, Texas
(PS Tried to locate it on your site, so I wouldn't add to
your mail, but couldn't. Your site is just fantastic, by the
way.)
Hi Diana,
This is a Banded Sphinx, Eumorpha vitis. We are thrilled to
get your photo.
White
Lined Sphinx
(10/17/2005) Do you know what this is?
All the best,
Lola Abraham
Hi Lola,
This is a Sphinx Moth, probably a White Lined Sphinx, Hyles
lineata.
Rustic Sphinx: A Side and Flip Side
(10/16/2005) Rustic Sphinx
Thanks for helping me identify this Rustic Sphinx Moth that
was on our back porch in North East Florida. We see lots of
strange critters here, but this was the first one of these.
I believe this one was in a state of metamorphosis too as
it soon flew away. Pictures are of both sides.
Dave Jennings
 
Hi Dave,
Glad we could help and we are thrilled to have new photos
of this beautiful moth, Manduca rustica.
Ficus Sphinx
(10/15/2005) some sorta sphinx?
Hi,
This guy was caught hanging out on our stucco patio wall.
Lived in this South Florida location for several years and
have never seen one until last night. After researching your
amazing site, we're thinking this moth belongs to the sphnix
family. Either way, he sure was neat to look at. Who knew
moths were so fascinating? (Lepidopterists excluded, of course
)
Diane
Hi Diane,
Nice photo of a Ficus Sphinx, Pachylia ficus, a Southern species
that feeds on various fig species. This is a large Sphinx
Moth and we have gotten several caterpillar images in the
past.
Pandora
Sphinx
(10/14/2005) Pandorus sphinx (Eumorpha pandorus)
I love you're site! I have used it many times
for identification. Thought you might like a picture
of a Pandorus sphinx. It was found in Northern Lower
Michigan, not sure it's documented this far north, I'm checking
into it.
Mary Moore
Hi Mary,
Thanks for sending in a lovely photograph of a Pandora Sphinx.
We currently have a great photo of the caterpillar on our
homepage as well.
White Lined Sphinx
(10/06/2005) Lucky shot of white lined sphinx
I recently got this digital image of the sphinx in our flower
garden, which I think is a really good picture. Your site
seems like the right place to share it with other people who
appreciate this sore of thing. The light was just right, enough
to use the viewfinder, but low enough so the high speed flash
could stop the movement. Notice the clear detail of the eye,
it is more like a bird eye than a bug eye. I'm guessing that
this gives the moth the precision view that permits almost
perfectly stationary hovering, equal to what a hummingbird
can do. We have many hummingbirds here near Huntington, Indiana,
and so are quite familiar with them. This creature must be
relatively rare, since we very seldom see them. Hope the file
is not too large, maybe I should have cropped it, but the
whole flower image might be good enough to make a decorative
print, so I sent it all. I have another image from a different
angle if you would like to have it.
Allan Nostwick
Huntington, Indiana
Hi Allan,
Thank you for the excellent image. The detail is wonderful.
The sphinx's eyes are actually multifaceted compound eyes.
Vine Sphinx? or Banded Sphinx? Could go either way.
(10/01/2005) my backyard moth
I got the following information when I had sent in my moth
photo taken in my backyard just north of Boston, MA. Using
the information I got I stumbled on your site and LOVE it.
Thought you might be interested and just MAYBE get you to
guess. However, I can't get the moth to show me its hindwings.
"It's too bad I don't know where your backyard is. Read
on... It is either the banded sphinx, Eumorpha fasciata, or
the vine sphinx, Eumorpha vitis. The way to distinguish them
is to examine some very small features of the hindwings, which
you photo does not show. Vine sphinx is found all over eastern
North America, while the banded sphinx would be very rare
in the northern half of North America. That's why I was wondering
where your backyard is--it might almost rule out the banded
sphinx, even without seeing the hindwings. John Snyder
Dept. of Biology
Furman University
Greenville, SC USA"
Sorry, but the photo was not attached, Anne [in Massachusetts]
HI Anne,
As rank amateurs, we are hardly in a position to disagree
with experts at a University. That said, we checked the USGS
report listed on Bill
Oehlke's excellent website and have come to an agreement
with Professor Snyder that the Vine
Sphinx is more likely because it is not listed as common
in Massachusetts, only as a confirmed sighting. However, according
to the illustration in our very old Holland Guide, the wing
pattern visible on the upper wings does seem a closer match
to the Banded
Sphinx. We could go either way given that the moth is
confirmed in Massachusetts. Though we don't want to disagree
with Professor Snyder, if you had sent this in without his
comments, we would have probably identified it as a Banded
Sphinx.
Tersa
Sphinx
(09/26/2005) Please identify the attached flying insect
Hi,
live in Sarasota, FL & took the
attached picture yesterday. What& is it? Looks like wood wings
& body.
thanks,
Bill Zuk
Hi Bill,
Nice image of a Tersa Sphinx.
Cerisy's
Sphinx
(09/26/2005)
Can you please tell me what this moth is called? It seems
to love my screen door. Thank you.
Betty
Hi Betty,
This beautiful Hawkmoth is Cerisy's Sphinx.
Gaudy Sphinx
(09/25/2005) Large moth in South Florida
Hi,
My husband spotted this moth during the day in our screen
room, We live in the Tampa, Florida area and are wondeirng
what kind of moth this is. I've looked at the moth sections
on your page and cannot find anything similar. I've also done
several searches using Goolge but haven't had any luck so
far. It seems to have a similar body shape to the Sphinx moths,
but it's hard for me to tell, as most pictures I find on the
web are of moths with their wings extended and not folded
up. Any help you can give in identifying this would be greatly
appreciated.
Thanks!
Carlene
Hi Carlene,
Your letter has left us deeply disturbed. We have searched
high and low on our site to locate a gorgeous photo we once
received of a Gaudy Sphinx, Eumorpha labruscae. That photo
showed the beautiful blue underwings. Now, thanks to you,
the species is once again represented on our site, though
we can't imagine how we lost the previous image. Here is a
link
with additional information.
Pink
Spotted Hawkmoth
(09/25/2005) Sphinx Moth
Hi. I took this photo of a Sphinx Moth feeding on our
petunias during the night. What kind of Sphinx Moth
is this one? Thank you.
Craig
Hi Craig,
Beautiful Pink Spotted Hawkmoth image. We also had one posted
on our homepage today. If it was a snake, it would have bit
you.
Agrius cingulata
(09/23/2005) pink spotted hawk moth
Hey bugman
I Know that this is a hummingbird moth. The best I can compare
it to on your web site is the pink spotted hawk moth. I see
them very late in the evening dartings around some ginger
lilies I have planted. Just thought I would get you opinion
and share this picture I took of one of the moths. 9-24-2005
Georgia
Thanks, Oakley
Hi there Oakley,
This surely is a Pink Spotted Hawkmoth, Agrius cingulata.
Great image.
Rustic Sphinx
(09/15/2005) Rustic Sphinx Moth
Hi there!
I got this great shot of what I believe to be a Rustic Sphinx
Moth. It was feeding at "near dark" on a ginger
flower in Baton Rouge, LA, 09/10/2005. It was incredible!
The tongue must be 6 inches long.
Robin
Hi Robin,
This is a wonderful image of a Rustic Sphinx, Manduca rustica.
These are very large moths. The tongue, or more properly,
the proboscis, is long and coiled and probably does approach
six inches in length.
White Lined Sphinx
(09/08/2005) Recognize this one?
Hello Bugman,
I found this chubby sphinx moth on my window in Minnesota.
Can you identify the species?
Thanks for the great site!
Paul
Hi There Paul,
This is a White Lined Sphinx or Striped Morning Sphinx, Hyles
lineata.
Hummingbird
Clearwing Moth
(09/05/2005) What Bug
Hi there,
I took this picture tonight in southern Ontario. I'm not sure
what kind on moth this is. could you please identify this
for me.
Thank you
Sonja Fagnan
Hi Sonja,
We really must keep a photo of the Hummingbird Clearwing Moth
on our homepage all summer. We are putting yours, which is
very nice, at the top right now.
Hummingbird Clearwing Moths Mating and Eating
(09/04/2005) Bug Love
One for bug love.
don nelson
new site, alabama
Hi Don,
Makes one wonder how they can stay aloft as well as concentrate
on so many things at once: Flying, eating and procreating.
British
Poplar Hawk Moth
(08/30/2005) HUGE BEAST!
Hi there,
We found this beastie clinging to our wine bottles one morning,
any chance you could clarify its species? We guessed
at a Modest Sphinx. Do you think it is unusual for this to
be found in the UK? I see from your site that it is really
only native to US and Canada. I look forward to your response.
Many thanks,
Natasha Ewers.
Hi Natasha,
This looks very similar to the U.S. Modest Sphinx, but I have
located a site dedicated to British Hawkmoths that lists it
as a Poplar Sphinx. So, they have the same food plant. They
seem to be closely related despite having different genus
names. Perhaps some taxonomy needs to be done here. Here is
what the site
reports: "Poplar Hawk-Moth (Laothoe populi ) The most
frequently seen of all the reserve's hawk-moths and may be
on the wing from late May until early August. The peak period
though is July, when moth-trapping sessions can produce 5-10
on a single night. The larvae are probably dependant on either
white poplar or sallow as a foodplant. "
Big
Poplar Sphinx
(08/28/2005) I was wondering what this moth is - basking in
the heat
Living in Southern California in 100 degree+ heat brings out
the oddest creatures. This moth is was baskiing in the
sun atop our patio cover but has now flown. As you can
see it is a significant size. It is over 2" from head
to toe and has 5" wingspan when resting. It
is the size of a small sparrow.
Regards
Malcolm Carter
Menifee, CA
Hi Malcolm,
Both your moth and the Modest Sphinx are referred to commonly
as the Big Poplar Sphinx. Some authors consider your moth,
the western species, to be a subspecies of the other. Other
authors consider them to be separate species. Here is as site
that names your moth Pachysphinx occidentalis.
Pandora
Sphinx
(08/25/2005) Sphinx moth?
I encountered this guy beating himself senseless on my front
porch last night. I think he might be some sort of sphinx
moth, can you tell me for sure?
*Your websites is one of my favorites!
Thanks-
Staci Ellard
Hi Staci,
Thank you for the compliment, but it is letters like yours
with the accompanying fascinating images that make our site
what it is. This is indeed a Pandora Sphinx, Eumorpha pandorus.
Just check out the letter directly under yours on our homepage
right now. It is the polar opposite of your sweet note.
Blinded Sphinx laying eggs
(08/24/2005) Please Identify
We are located just east of Dallas Texas and found this bug
on window today. Can you please tell me what it is? I
assume those are eggs it is laying... Thanks!!
This is a female Blinded Sphinx, Paonias excaecatus, and she
is laying eggs.
Tobacco Sphinx
(08/24/2006) Tomatoe Hornworm
I discovered your site when searching for Hummingbird Moths.
A name I thought my neighboor made up. I now have a
clan of these coming to my flowers in the evening. I
believe the first told their friends and they told their friends......
Anyway, after taking 80 pictures (thank heavens for digital)
I found I got like 4-5 good ones. I thought I'd send
them to you to use if you'd like. Hummingbird Moth 1
is my favorite. I've been trying to better the shot
by catching it with more light but have not been successful.
Enjoy
Country People
 
Hi Folks,
What great photos of the Tobacco Sphinx, Manduca sexta.
Lesser
Vine Sphinx
(08/22/2005) Identify
Hi Bugman,
I love your site. Could you help me identify this bug found
in Orlando Florida, 2003?
Thank you, Beth
Hi Beth,
You have sent in a photo of a Lesser Vine Sphinx, Eumorpha
fasciatus. The moth is common in the Gulf States and southward,
but is sometimes reported from as far north as Massachusetts.
Tersa
Sphinx and possibly Mournful Sphinx
(08/22/2005) hummingbird moth unidentified
Think I narrowed it down to Hummingbird Moth, but can
not tell what kind. Our photos show very young species first
sighted Aug. 2, 2005 and second multiple sighting 20 days
later. Thanks! We though we were going crazy seeing a hummingbird
that looked (per photos) like a moth. I thought we had a new
breed of bird in our yard! It is unmistakeable moving like
a hummer but when you see the photos you are in shock! It
clearly looks somewhat more like a moth. (Interesting breeding,
huh?) Could not identify this exact species. Can you help??
Your website however helpful did not have our little fellow
pictured. Went to the US moth website and could not find ours.
First noticed one August 2, 2005. Then August 22 saw two on
the same flower. One was dark charcoal and shy. The other
photographed and caramel brown in color, and a show-off to
boot. We live in Montgomery (Lake Conroe area), Texas. This
is in Montgomery, County, Texas. They visit just before dusk
and love the Blue Plumbago. Photos of "baby Hummingbird"
were taken Aug. 2, 2005. Photos of "2 baby Hummingbirds"
were taken Aug. 22, 2005. Interesting to see the growth in
20 days... Will continue to watch, and snap more photos.
:)
Greg
 |
 |
| Tersa
Sphinx |
Mournful
Sphinx, maybe |
Hi Greg,
First important lesson: There is no such thing as a baby moth.
All moths are adults. They will not grow any larger. They
grow as caterpillars and once they emerge from the pupa, they
are fully grown adult moths. Second lesson. You have two different
species. One is a Tersa Sphinx. The other is possibly Mournful
Sphinx, Enyo lugubris, but we cannot tell for sure.
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