Polyptychus hollandi

• Interesting Facts
• Description
• Taxonomy
• Similar Species
• More Info
• Further Reading
• Notes

Interesting Facts

Description

Family Sphingidae

'The Sphingidae belong to the Superfamily Sphingoidea. Members of this family are commonly called "hummingbird," "sphinx," or "hawk" moths, and some can be mistaken for hummingbirds. Most are medium to large moths, with heavy bodies; wingspread reaches 5 inches or more in some species. The Sphingidae are strong and fast fliers, with a rapid wingbeat. Most species in the group are active at dusk, and most feed much like hummingbirds, hovering in front of a flower and sipping nectar through the extended proboscis. The proboscis rolls up when not in use. Some species lack scales on large portions of their wings , resulting in transparent or clear wings. In most species, the larval stage is called a "hornworm" because the caterpillar''s posterior end has a harmless hook or hornlike appendage protruding upward. Unfortunately, the caterpillar of some species can be very destructive to agricultural crops and ornamental plantings .

'[1]

Subfamily Sphinginae

The Sphinginae are members of the Family Sphingidae. Widely distributed, these medium to very large-sized moths have a well-developed proboscis and robust bodies. In some species, the proboscis is 15 cm or more in length . Some adults are active at night, while others feed at dawn, dusk, or during the day. Larvae feed day and night on woody and herbaceous plants ; some are serious pests of agricultural crops . Most species pupate in the soil, though some form loose cocoons in the leaf layer.

Taxonomy

Notes

Name Status: Accepted Name .

Similar Species

Members of the genus Polyptychus

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More Info

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Further Reading

Notes

Contributors

• Brands, S.J. (comp.) 1989-present. The Taxonomicon. Universal Taxonomic Services, Zwaag, The Netherlands. Accessed January 17, 2012.

Identifiers

• Biodiversity Heritage Library NamebankID: 7948335
• Catalogue of Life Accepted Name Code: Lep-54501.0
• Zipcode Zoo Species Identifier: 638690

Footnotes

1. http://www.butterfliesandmoths.org/taxonomy?f=30&sci=Sphingidae&com=Sphinx Moths, Hawkmoths [back]

©2004-2012 David Stang. All rights reserved.