Spiracular-sound-production
Guides
Amorpha juglandis
walnut sphinx
Amorpha juglandis, the walnut sphinx, is the sole species in the monotypic moth genus Amorpha (family Sphingidae). The species is notable for its caterpillar's unique defensive behavior: producing high-pitched whistles by expelling air through specialized abdominal spiracles. This acoustic defense has been experimentally shown to startle avian predators. Adults are nocturnal and active primarily during early night hours.