Sphecodina

Sphecodina

Classification

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Sphecodina: //sfɛkoʊˈdaɪnə//

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

Images

Sphecodina abbottii 1zz by Photo by David J. Stang. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.
Sphecodina abbottii BMNHE813386 female up by The Trustees of the Natural History Museum, London. Used under a CC BY 3.0 license.
Sphecodina abbottii MHNT CUT 2010 0 235 West Feliciana Parish Louisiana female ventral by 
Didier Descouens. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.
Sphecodina abbottii MHNT CUT 2010 0 154 West Feliciana Parish Louisiana Male ventral by 
Didier Descouens. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.
- 7870 – Sphecodina abbottii – Abbot's Sphinx Moth (17138944322) by Andy Reago & Chrissy McClarren. Used under a CC BY 2.0 license.
Sphecodina abbottii MHNT CUT 2010 0 235 West Feliciana Parish Louisiana female dorsal by 
Didier Descouens. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

Summary

Sphecodina abbottii, commonly known as Abbott's sphinx, is a moth in the Sphingidae family, first described in 1821. It is characterized by its distinctive forewing and underwing patterns, as well as its similarity in flight to bees. Its larvae possess unique adaptations for camouflage and defense.

Physical Characteristics

The forewings are violet grey and feature a barklike pattern of swirling black lines. The underwings have a strong yellow band. Larvae show color variations, with early instars being pale greenish white and final instars ranging from brown bands with large pale green spots to completely brown with wood-grain patterning. Final instars can reach up to 75 mm in length.

Identification Tips

Adults can be identified by their buzzing flight, which resembles that of bees, and their well-camouflaged resting posture on tree bark. Larvae have a distinctive appearance with either a vertebrate-like eye on their rear or a pattern mimicking grapes.

Habitat

Central and eastern North America, avoiding most of Florida.

Distribution

The species is primarily found in central and eastern North America, with limited presence in Florida.

Diet

Larvae feed on grapes (Vitis), Virginia creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia), and Ampelopsis species.

Life Cycle

Adults are active and fly in May and June in northern areas, with several generations in southern regions.

Tags

  • Sphingidae
  • Abbott's sphinx
  • Lepidoptera
  • North America
  • moth