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Abbott's Sphinx Moth (Sphecodina abbottii)


Detailing the physical features, habits, territorial reach and other identifying qualities of the Abbott's Sphinx Moth


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Image Credit: Ginette M. from Winnipeg, Manitoba
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Image Credit: Ginette M. from Winnipeg, Manitoba
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Image Credit: Ginette M. from Winnipeg, Manitoba
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Image Credit: Ginette M. from Winnipeg, Manitoba
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Shades of dark green, gray, and purple cover most of the large Abbott's Sphinx, but a bright white 'tail feather' punctuates this moth's many features.



Updated: 01/02/2022; Authored By Staff Writer; Content ©www.InsectIdentification.org
Big enough to sit in the hand of an adult, the Abbott's Sphinx Moth is an elegant member of this family of giants. Deep undertones of purple cover most of the moth and its wings. A thick black band crosses behind the grayish head, giving it the appearance of a collar. The wide abdomen is crossed with bands of gray, ivory, black, and purple until the very end where a three-pronged creamy white tip resembles feathers seen on birds. The wings are dark both where they connect to the body and along the bottom edges. A central band of lighter coloring is sandwiched between. The bottoms of the forewings and hindwings have irregular scalloped edges. If the wings are spread wide enough, a flash of bright yellow can be seen on the top of the hindwings near the abdomen. Look for flying adults near lights at night.

Young caterpillars are green and fleshy with a long horn at the rear end that looks like a stinger. As it matures, this horn becomes a raised knob that looks like a button. Short white stripes cross the segments of the tubular body. Eventually, the caterpillar will become a mottled brown color that blends in well with branches and leaf litter, or it will become dark brown with 9 large green spots along the 'spine' that stop at the raised knob. The knob has a pattern on it that resembles an eyespot and two bands of green come after it near the rear. They feed on grapevines and peppervines. ©InsectIdentification.org


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General Characteristics


Capability, Shape, Texture/Pattern, Benefits, Dangers
Flying insect icon
Striped or banded insect icon


Taxonomic Hierarchy


Species Breakdown
Kingdom: Animalia
  Phylum: Arthropoda
    Class: Insecta
      Order: Lepidoptera
        Family: Sphingidae
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          Genus: Sphecodina
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            Species: abbottii

Identifying Information


Size, Colors, Features
Scientific Name: Sphecodina abbottii
Category: Butterfly or Moth
Size (Adult; Length): 50mm to 70mm (1.96" to 2.75")
Colorwheel Graphic Colors: green, brown, purple, black, gray, white
Descriptors: pointy; v-shape; flying; lines


Relative Size Comparison


Typical Size Between 50mm (2.0in) and 70mm (2.8in)
Lo: 50mm
Md: 60mm
Hi: 70mm

Territorial Map*


U.S., Canada, and Mexico
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Territory map graphic of the country of Mexico
Contiguous United States shape map layer graphic
Alaska  
Hawaii  
Prince Edward Is.  
* MAP NOTES: The territorial heat map above showcases (in red) the states and territories of North America where the Abbott's Sphinx Moth may be found (but is not limited to). This sort of data is useful when attempting to see concentrations of particular species across the continent as well as revealing possible migratory patterns over a species' given lifespan. Some insects are naturally confined by environment, weather, mating habits, food resources and the like while others see widespread expansion across most, or all, of North America. States/Territories shown above are a general indicator of areas inhabited by the Abbott's Sphinx Moth. Insects generally go where they please, typically driven by diet, environmental changes, and / or mating habits.
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