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Nessus Sphinx Moth

Amphion floridensis

Amphion floridensis, commonly known as the Nessus Sphinx, is a large moth with a distinctive greenish-brown coloration and a diagonal pinkish-orange band on its forewing. Its hindwings are pinkish-brown with a subtle yellow stripe near the outer edge.

With a wingspan of up to 4 inches, it is a rapid and strong flyer, which fulfills its reputation as a member of the Sphingidae family. Its abdomen features two bold, bright yellow stripes, which are thought to mimic the markings of a wasp as a defense mechanism against predators.

The name “Sphinx” comes from the caterpillar’s habit of rearing its head up when threatened and looking like an Egyptian sphinx. A fun fact about this species is that it is one of the few moths that can hover in place like a hummingbird, using its wings to stay suspended in the air. The species name, floridensis, refers to the moth’s native habitat in Florida.

 

 

Habitat
Deciduous forests, mixed woodlands, orchards, and even suburban areas with large trees
Scientific Name
Amphion floridensis
Wing Span
40mm to 60mm
General Size
Average
Wing Color
brown
brown
Marking's Color
orange
orange
red
red
yellow
yellow
Markings Pattern
Stripes / Straight Lines
Color Patches

Characteristics describe the physical and behavioral traits that distinguish a species from others. This section helps readers identify and differentiate between similar species, aiding in species identification and reducing the chance of misidentification.

Identifying Characteristics

  1. 2 prominent yellow stripes on abdomen

  2. Tuft of hair at the end of the abdomen that resembles tail feathers

  3. Red-orange-pinkish median band on hindwing

The chart displays the months of the year on the x-axis and observations of a particular species on the y-axis, indicating the time of year when each species is most commonly observed. This chart can assist moth watchers and researchers in predicting the best times and locations to observe specific moth species.

A range map is a visual representation of a species' geographical distribution, and it helps naturalists and field researchers quickly determine if a species is likely to be found in a given area, aiding in identification, conservation, and habitat management efforts.