Hawkmoths, Sphinx Moths

Classification

Kingdom: Animalia

Phylum: Arthropoda

Subphylum: Hexapoda

Class: Insecta

Order: Lepidoptera

Family: Sphingidae

There are around 1,100 species of medium to large moths in this family. In most species, the forewings are much longer than the hindwings. Many species in this family are brightly colored and have bold patterns.

The moths in this family have large bodies and a long proboscis that they use to eat nectar from flowering plants. Most species prefer flowers with a trumpet shape. Some species also feed on rotting fruit and sap.

The species in this family are fast and strong fliers and have very rapid wing beats. Many species hover in midair as they feed on nectar and are often mistaken for bees or hummingbirds!

Caterpillars in this family are usually stout and green or reddish in color. In some species, like the tomato hornworm and the tobacco hornworm, caterpillars have a horn-like projection at the end of their abdomen.