Syssphinx

Hübner, 1819

Royal Moths, Hubbard's Silkmoth (S. hubbardi)

Syssphinx is a of -sized giant in the , containing approximately 30 described distributed across North and Central America. The genus was established by Jacob in 1819. Species range from the southwestern and south-central United States through Mexico to Central America and northern South America. typically have subdued coloration with brightly colored that are exposed when the moth is disturbed. The genus includes economically significant species such as S. molina, a defoliator of parica tree plantations in the Brazilian Amazon.

Syssphinx montana by (c) Sue Carnahan, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Sue Carnahan. Used under a CC-BY license.

Syssphinx bisecta by (c) Sam Kieschnick, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Sam Kieschnick. Used under a CC-BY license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Syssphinx: //sɪsˈsfɪŋks//

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Identification

-sized with wingspans generally 50–90 mm; typically gray or with variable patterning, often bright pink, orange, or concealed at rest and exposed when startled. in both sexes but more broadly so in males. Body with dense scaling. possess paired on most and a horn on the segment; coloration highly variable within and between , ranging from green with yellow or red markings to nearly black.

Images

Habitat

Diverse including desert scrub, oak-juniper woodland, riparian corridors, and tropical forests; -specific associations with plants in Fabaceae (acacias, mesquites, ) and other .

Distribution

Southwestern and south-central United States (Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, California) south through Mexico to Guatemala, Honduras, and Panama; also South America including Ecuador, Venezuela, Suriname, and Brazil (Amazon region).

Seasonality

generally active during summer months (June–September) in temperate regions; some southern may have multiple with adults recorded into November. Tropical may have more extended or year-round periods correlated with rainy seasons.

Diet

feed on foliage of woody legumes and related plants; specific include Acacia greggii (catclaw acacia), Prosopis glandulosa ( mesquite), Cercidium microphyllum (little-leaf palo verde), Schizolobium parahyba var. amazonicum (parica tree), and various Ficus, Cassia, Inga, and Eucalyptus . have non-functional mouthparts and do not feed.

Life Cycle

with one per year in temperate regions; stage approximately 5–6 days, larval stage with five lasting 30–35 days, pre-pupal stage 2–3 days, pupal stage 16–17 days (or ), longevity 7–10 days. occurs underground in a shallow earthen . Some tropical may complete multiple generations annually.

Behavior

feed nocturnally; young larvae sit individually on leaf undersides, older larvae cut and bend leaves downward to access foliage. at night, males attracted to light. Mating occurs between 11 PM and 2 AM. Adults are startle-display , exposing brightly colored when disturbed.

Ecological Role

Larval defoliators of ; S. molina has become a significant plantation pest in Brazil where parica tree create favorable conditions. Contributes to through and serves as for birds, bats, and .

Human Relevance

S. molina is the second most damaging pest of parica tree (Schizolobium parahyba var. amazonicum) plantations in Pará state, Brazil, causing affecting 100–700 hectares during 2004–2008. Other are collected by enthusiasts and occasionally encountered in urban areas attracted to lights. Rearing of moths is a popular hobby activity.

Similar Taxa

EaclesBoth are with bodies and bright coloration, but Eacles are generally larger with more elaborate patterns on and different larval arrangements.
AnisotaSimilar size range and , but Anisota lack the horn present in Syssphinx and typically have more uniform coloration without concealed bright .
Sphingicampa (as historically applied)Former name for some Syssphinx ; current places these species within Syssphinx based on shared morphological and molecular characteristics.