Sphinx Moth

Sphinx Moth (Order Lepeidoptera Family Sphinidae)

The sphinx moth, which is commonly called the hawk moth, has a hovering, swift flight pattern. This moth, with wingspan ranging from 5 to 20 mm, has a stout body with elongated forewings and shorter hindwings. Many sphinx moths have extremely long proboscis (tube-like tongues), reaching lengths up to 33 cm. The length of the proboscis allow this moth to suck nectar from deep throated flowers such as orchids and petunias. [BM] {EB}