Sphecodina abbottii

Abbott's sphinx
Conservation status
Not evaluated (IUCN 3.1)
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Arthropoda
Class:	Insecta
Order:	Lepidoptera
Family:	Sphingidae
Genus:	Sphecodina
Species:	S. abbottii
Binomial name
Sphecodina abbottii (Swainson, 1821)[1]
Synonyms
Thyreus abbottii Swainson, 1821

Abbott's sphinx (Sphecodina abbottii) is a moth of the Sphingidae family. It lives in eastern North America.

Adults fly in May–June in the north, but have several generations in the south. The underwings have a strong yellow band and in flight, the moth buzzes, appearing like a bee. At rest, they raise their abdomens and are well camouflaged on tree bark, looking like a broken branch (Wagner, 2005).

Early instars are a pale greenish-white, with at first a horn, but later a brown knob near the hind end. Final instars (75 mm in length) come in two patterns: one has brown bands such that there are ten large pale green spots on the back and an eyespot on the rear. This form may mimic grapes. Others are completely brown, with a wood-grain patterning, and with the rear eyespot. (Wagner 2005) In the final instar the knob looks a lot like a vertebrate eye, down to the white reflection spot. If it is pinched or poked, the larva squeaks and bites at the attacker (Wagner 2005). Larvae feed on grapes (Vitis) and Ampelopsis.

References

• Wagner, DL. 2005. Caterpillars of eastern North America. Princeton Univ. Press.

And Poland

External links

• Abbott's sphinx Moths of America
• Abbott's sphinx