Rustic Sphinx Moth Size

This striking mammoth sized moth is a member of the sphinx family.

Rustic sphinx moth size.

They are moderate to large in size and are distinguished among moths for their agile and sustained flying ability similar enough to that of hummingbirds as to be reliably. We depend on donations to keep butterflies and moths of north america online and freely available. 890092 00 7778 manduca rustica rustic sphinx moth fabricius 1775 photographs are the copyrighted property of each photographer listed. The rich black and white speckled coloration of the rustic sphinx moth is contained by sharp short white dashes on the edges of its hind wings.

Hairy legs add to its charm. Sphinx moths are medium to large in size with thick bodies and wingspans of 5 inches or more. The top of the hindwing is black with a dark pink band. Photograph by lyle j.

It includes about 1 450 species. Manduca rustica is native to the southeastern united states. The mottled coloration if looked at closely reveals a zigzag pattern crossing the body from left to. Buss university of florida.

The large strong flying moth is beautiful with streamlined wings mottled black cream and rusty brown. The rustic sphinx moth is typically 3 4 inches to 5 9 inches 87mm to 150mm in size and has the following descriptors identifiers. Adult rustic sphinx moth manduca rustica fabricius. Manduca rustica scientific name.

Adult moths have a pattern of blacks whites and browns across their bodies that helps them blend into the bark of trees as a form of camouflage. The caterpillars of rustic sphinx moth feed on various ornamentals including gardenia sunflower lantana and. It is best represented in the tropics but species are found in every region. Rustic sphinx manduca rustica fabricius 1775 family.

If everyone who uses this resource gives a small amount we could cover our ongoing costs develop new features and upgrade the system. The top of the forewing is a dark olive brown with lighter brown on the margin with a narrow tan band along the wingtip to the base and white streaks on the veins. Contact individual photographers for permission to use for any purpose. Manduca rustica closely related to the tomato hornworm manduca quinquemaculata the rustic sphinx manduca rustica is less common and generally found in the southern united states.

It can be easy to mistake these moths for hummingbirds due to their flower visitation relatively large body size and fast agile flying behavior.