Aellopos
Hübner, 1819
Aellopos is a of large day-flying in the (), first described by Jacob in 1819. The genus contains six recognized distributed from the eastern United States through Central America to South America. These moths are notable for their activity pattern, which is uncommon among sphingids. The genus belongs to the tribe Dilophonotini within the Macroglossinae.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Aellopos: /ˈaɪ.ləˌpɒs/
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Identification
Aellopos can be distinguished from other sphingid by their combination of large size, body, and . Specific identification to species level requires examination of pattern details, particularly the shape and markings, and in some species the presence of distinctive leg modifications (clavipes = ' foot' in A. clavipes).
Images
Distribution
Occurs from Maine in the northeastern United States, south through Central America, to Argentina and Uruguay in South America.
Behavior
are day-flying, an unusual trait among which are predominantly or .
Similar Taxa
- ErinnyisBoth are large New World sphingid with , but Erinnyis species generally lack the specific pattern elements and leg modifications found in Aellopos.
- HemarisHemaris () are also day-flying sphingids, but are smaller, have partially transparent , and occur mainly in the Holarctic region rather than the Neotropics.
More Details
Species count
Six are currently recognized: A. blaini, A. ceculus, A. clavipes, A. fadus, A. tantalus, and A. titan.
Etymology
The name derives from Greek mythology; Aello was one of the Harpies.