Image Credit: Joseph C.Spikes taken in Florala, AL
3/9
Image Credit: Rob H. from Summerville, SC
4/9
Image Credit: Arch Baker
5/9
Image Credit: Dean Y. from IL
6/9
Image Credit: Dean Y. from IL
7/9
Image Credit: Bill K. taken in western TN
8/9
Image Credit: Bonnie P. from AR
9/9
Image Credit: Sarah B. from western NC
Big, bold Tersa Sphinx Moths are sleek, modern-looking moths, with streamlined wings usually seen on aircraft.
The large, stiff wings of this moth gives it the appearance of a small bird. Tersa Sphinx Moths are hairy and angular, like a streamlined stealth fighter. Their large size and a projection at the tip of the abdomen may cause alarm at first, but they are harmless moths and do not have a stinger. A hairy brown body may have undertones of green or yellow. Streaks run down the back of the abdomen. Wings have a series of thin lines that reach the wing tip. Adults feed on pollen.
Caterpillars can be either green or light brown. Both color variations have an eyespot near the front of the head, and small white spots along the sides of the body. Cocoons are usually under formed leaf litter at the soil's surface.
Taxonomic Hierarchy
Kingdom:Animalia
Phylum:Arthropoda
Class:Insecta
Order:Lepidoptera
Family:Sphingidae
Genus:Xylophanes
Species:tersa
Identifying Information
Scientific Name: Xylophanes tersa
Category:
Butterfly or Moth
Size (Adult; Length): 32mm to 155mm (1.25in to 6.05in)
Note: An insect's reach is not limited by lines drawn on a map and therefore species may appear in areas, regions and/or states beyond those listed above as they are driven by environmental factors (such as climate change), available food supplies and mating patterns. Grayed-out selections indicate that the subject in question has not been reported in that particular territory. U.S. states and Canadian provinces / territories are clickable to their respective bug listings.
Butterfly and Moth Anatomy
1
Antennae: Butterflies and Moths have a pair of antennae on the head used as sensors.
2
Head: The head is home to the insect's eyes, antennae, and proboscis.
3
Thorax: Home to the three pairs of legs as well as vital internal organs.
4
Abdomen: Contains vital internal organs such as the heart(s) and reproduction facilities.
5
Forewing: The upper, forward wing pair used for flying.
6
Hindwing: The lower, rearward wing pair used for flying.
NOTE: Butterflies and Moths are part of the Lepidopteran order as they share many similarities.
Colors: brown; white; ivory; black; green; yellow
