Silver Stripe Hawkmoth
Known as Hawkmoths, Sphingidae fly fast and hover in flight like their Bird namesake, Hawk. Their distinctive streamlined wings and robust bodies have set these Moths apart from other Moths. Because of their wing structures, Sphingidae are extremely powerful fliers that can fly fast as 50 km (30 miles) per hour.
Hawkmoth Caterpillars are recognizable by their dorsal horn on their rear. (Because of their horns, people often call these Caterpillars “Hornworms”.) When disturbed, Hawkmoth Caterpillars rear up, arch their backs, and face their attacker. When They do this, They resemble Egyptian sphinxes. With their brightly colored bodies and stripes or spots, Hawkmoth Caterpillers seem formidable waving their horns. Obviously dangerous looking, They are actually quite harmless.
In the U.K., people often mistake Hummingbird Hawkmoth for Hummingbird. Since Hummingbird is found only in the Western Hemisphere, the Animal that people see is Hummingbird Hawkmoth. This Moth can hover and sip nectar like a Hummingbird. She also makes similar humming noises with her wings.
Hawkmoths teach how to use ideas from others. Although they are Moths, Sphingidae have many birdlike features. Called Hawkmoths, They fly fast like Hawks. Hawkmoths also have well-developed tongues enabling Them to take nectar from flowers like Hummingbirds. These large robust Moths seem to have taken the best ideas of Birds for their own use.
Take time to read the individual Sphingidae teachers.
Oleander Hawkmoth
Purchase field guides for moths and butterflies from Amazon.com.
Va. Carper