Different types of sphinx moths. The sphingidae are a family of moths lepidoptera commonly known as hawk moths sphinx moths and hornworms. Wingspread reaches 5 inches or more in some species. The word moth is likely to draw a very hideous image in your mind and you probably might end up picturing drab brown terrifying insects. Explanation of names.
It includes about 1450 species. These are generally known as hummingbird hawk moths clearwing hummingbird moths and the white lined sphinx. The sphingidae belong to the superfamily sphingoidea. They are moderate to large in size and are distinguished among moths for their agile and sustained flying ability similar enough to that of hummingbirds as to be reliably.
Sphingidae from the type genus sphinx linnaeus for the fancied resemblance of the larva when in repose to the egyptian sphinx. Different species of hummingbird moths. Heres a detailed list write up and photos setting out all the different types of moths commonly found throughout the world and that can be pests in and around the home. The moths on the other hand thrive exclusively on the nectar from the flowers.
Each moth species has its own suite of suitable host plants for example some eat only members of the tobaccotomatopotato family. Sphinx moths use a wide range of larval host plants including both woody and nonwoody species. Family sphingidae sphinx moths other common names. Most are medium to large moths with heavy bodies.
The white lined sphinx moth hyles lineata in the picture provides another example of hummingbird moth diversity and color. It is best represented in the tropics but species are found in every region. Generally there are three different species of hummingbird moths belonging to three separate genera. Hawk moths adults hornworms larvae synonyms and other taxonomic changes.
Hummingbird moths also come from other sphinx moth genera. There are several types of hummingbird moths including the snowberry clearwing hummingbird moth the tersa sphinx hummingbird moth and the white lined sphinx hummingbird moth and perhaps over 100 more. Others must eat the leaves of rose family trees such as plum cherry and apple.