Error message
Unable to fetch location details at this time.
Nessus sphinx moth
Amphion floridensis
41.8236, -72.5907
Field Notes
Description:
Rather small for a sphinx moth. Body is mostly black with two yellow lines across the abdomen that are very recognizable during flight. The abdomen has tufts that fan out during flight and condense into three main points when resting. The underside is a rusty orange to a sunset orange with brown tints. The forewings are different shades of brown and black with a very faint white outline. Hindwings have a red-orange median band with a yellow spot. When resting, the bright yellow bands are hidden and there is only one band visible. Adults nectar from many different flowers like Lilac, Milkweed, Phlox, and Blackberry blossoms. Some other favorite nectar sources are streamsides, sap flows, and road puddles. Some host plants for the larvae are Grapevine, Virginia creeper, and Ampelopsis.
Habitat:
Woods, Roadsides, Streamsides, Forests, Fields, and Forest clearings.
Notes:
This one was flying around my drive way near my head when I was observing a Hummingbird at the feeder with my dad. The moth caught my attention so I got my net and caught her when she was nectaring the lilacs. After I captured her I took some nice shots with my dad's Droid Razr HD camera when she calmed down.
Comments (2)