Pachylia
Pachylia
Classification
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Subphylum: Hexapoda
- Class: Insecta
- Order: Lepidoptera
- Superfamily: Bombycoidea
- Family: Sphingidae
- Subfamily: Macroglossinae
- Tribe: Dilophonotini
- Genus: Pachylia
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Pachylia: /ˈpæk.ɪ.li.ə/
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Summary
Pachylia ficus, known as the fig sphinx, is a moth of the family Sphingidae found in regions from South America to the southern United States, recognized for its thick body and orange-brown wings. It plays a crucial role as a pollinator for certain plants, including the endangered ghost orchid.
Physical Characteristics
Wingspan of 4+3⁄8–5+1⁄2 inches (110–140 mm) with orange-brown wings.
Habitat
Tropical regions, peninsular Florida, and southern Texas.
Distribution
From the northern tip of South America in Uruguay through Central America to the southern tip of the United States, straying into Arizona and Texas.
Diet
Adults feed on the nectar of various flowers, including Asystasia gangetica and the ghost orchid (Dendrophylax lindenii).
Life Cycle
Several generations per year in tropical regions. Adults have been recorded in February, September, and November in Brazil and June in Panama.
Ecosystem Role
Pollinates various flowers, including the ghost orchid.
Evolution
First described by Francis Walker in 1856; the name derives from the Greek word for 'thick' or 'stout'.
Tags
- Pachylia
- fig sphinx
- Sphingidae
- moth
- pollinator