Amphion floridensis

The two bright yellow bands across the abdomen are diagnostic and readily separate this species from other eastern North American sphingids. Day-flying behavior further aids recognition. Resembles clearwing moths (Sesiidae) in general appearance but lacks transparent wing areas. Has been suggested as a possible mimic of the Eastern Cicada Killer Wasp (Sphecius speciosus), which shares similar coloration and size.

Medium-sized moth with wingspan of 37–55 mm. Abdomen bears two conspicuous bright yellow transverse bands. Body otherwise dark. Wings typically brownish with patterning typical of sphingid moths. Sexual dimorphism not prominently described in sources.

Occurs in diverse environments throughout eastern North America. Adults frequent flowering plants for nectar. Larvae develop on host plants including grape species and related vines.

Eastern United States and Canada, west to the continental divide. Occurs from southern Canada (Alberta, Manitoba, Vermont) through the eastern United States, with occasional records south into Mexico. One of the more commonly encountered day-flying moths in this region.

Adults active April to July. Single generation in northern part of range; two generations in southern part of range. Peak activity during daylight hours, with increased activity at dusk.

Adults feed on nectar of various flowers including Syringa vulgaris (lilac), Geranium robertianum (herb robert), Kolkwitzia amabilis (beauty bush), Philadelphus coronarius (mock orange), and Phlox species. Larvae feed on leaves of Vitis (grape), Ampelopsis (peppervine), and Capsicum (pepper) species.

• Syringa vulgaris - adult nectar source
• Geranium robertianum - adult nectar source
• Kolkwitzia amabilis - adult nectar source
• Philadelphus coronarius - adult nectar source
• Phlox - adult nectar source
• Vitis - larval host
• Ampelopsis - larval host
• Capsicum - larval host

Holometabolous. Larval stage feeds on leaves of host plants. Pupation presumably in soil or leaf litter, though specific details not documented in sources. Adults emerge in spring (April in south, progressing northward), with flight period extending through July.

Diurnal flight activity, unusual among Sphingidae. Adults hover at flowers while feeding on nectar, behavior typical of hawkmoths. Flight has been described as distinctive—slower or less direct than that of similar-sized wasps, which initially suggested to at least one observer that an individual might not be a hymenopteran.

Adults function as pollinators of diverse flowering plants. Larvae act as herbivores on grape and related vines. The species participates in mimicry complexes, potentially gaining protection from predators through resemblance to stinging wasps.

Larvae feed on grape (Vitis), which could constitute minor agricultural concern in viticultural areas, though not documented as significant pest. Adults are conspicuous and frequently photographed by naturalists due to day-flying habit. Subject of public interest during National Moth Week and similar events focused on Lepidoptera diversity.

• Clearwing moths (Sesiidae)Share diurnal activity and wasp-like appearance; distinguished by transparent or partially transparent wings, which A. floridensis lacks
• Eastern Cicada Killer Wasp (Sphecius speciosus)Suggested wasp mimic; distinguished by wing structure (two pairs of membranous wings in wasp vs. scaled wings in moth), flight behavior, and antennae form
• Other SphingidaeMost are nocturnal; distinguished by activity period and lack of yellow-banded abdomen pattern

• diurnal
• mimicry
• pollinator
• grape pest
• day-flying moth

• BugGuide
• Wikipedia
• GBIF taxonomy match
• iNaturalist taxon
• NCBI Taxonomy
• Catalogue of Life
• Bug Eric: Wasp Wednesday: Not Wasp VIII
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