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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.
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 Sphingidae are a family of moths commonly called sphinx moths, also colloquially known as hawk moths, with many of their caterpillars known as hornworms. It includes about 1,450 species . [ 1 ] It is best represented in the tropics , but species are found in every region. [ 2 ]
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.
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Adult moths fly at dusk. [2] Like other Sphingidae, adult pandora sphinx moths have a long proboscis that is used to feed on nectar. [4] Females lay translucent eggs singly [10] on leaves of the host plant, mainly Vitis spp. (grapes), Ampelopsis spp. (peppervine) and Parthenocissus quinquefolia (Virginia creeper). [11]
Its common names include tetrio sphinx, giant gray sphinx, frangipani hornworm, [2] and plumeria caterpillar. [3] In the island of Martinique it is best known as Rasta caterpillar ( chenille rasta , in French) because of its colors which are reminiscent of the ones found in Rastafarian clothing and accessories.