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Xylophanes tersa, the tersa sphinx, is a moth of the family Sphingidae.The species was first described by Carl Linnaeus in 1771. It is found from the United States (Massachusetts south to southern Florida, west to Nebraska, New Mexico and southern Arizona), through Mexico, the West Indies and Central America and into parts of South America (including Bolivia, Paraguay, Argentina and Brazil).
Xylophanes is a genus of moths in the family Sphingidae erected by Jacob Hübner in 1819. As of 2000, there are about 96 species and subspecies included in the genus. As of 2000, there are about 96 species and subspecies included in the genus.
A pattern of diagonal slashes along the side is a common feature. When resting, the caterpillar usually holds its legs off the surface and tucks its head underneath (praying position), which, resembling the Great Sphinx of Giza, gives rise to the name "sphinx moth". [5] Some tropical larvae are thought to mimic snakes.
This is a species list for the family Sphingidae of moths (Lepidoptera), commonly known as hawk-moths.This list contains all known species of Sphingidae in order of subfamily.
The length of the forewings is 36–41 mm. It is intermediate in appearance between Xylophanes aristor and Xylophanes tersa. There is a weakly developed golden medial line on the tegula. The upperside of the thorax has a grey medial band, bordered laterally and divided medially by brown lines.
The caterpillar needs to be able to feed and to avoid being eaten and much of its morphology has evolved to facilitate these two functions. [59]: 108 After growth and ecdysis, the caterpillar enters into a sessile developmental stage called a pupa (or chrysalis) around which it may form a casing. The insect develops into the adult in the pupa ...
Only the discal spot, the basal section of the first postmedian line and the fourth postmedian line are standing out from the greyish-brown ground colour in most specimens. The pale yellow spots of the median band on the hindwing upperside are fewer and smaller than in Xylophanes tersa tersa and sometimes flushed with pink.
Xylophanes norfolki is a moth of the family Sphingidae. It is known from the Galapagos Islands. [2] It is similar to Xylophanes tersa and related species, but the pattern and form of the forewing upperside is different. The underside of the abdomen is purplish-brown, while the forewing upperside has a dark brown ground colour and the forewing ...