More Mesmerizing Moths

The hawk moth family includes hawk moths and sphinx moths and number over 1400 species.  Besides the Snowberry Clearwing, Hummingbird Clearwing, and Hummingbird Hawk Moth (see previous post), other members of the hawk moth family include the Gardenia Bee Hawk moth.  And yes, its coloring makes it look like a bumble bee and can be found in Australia.

Cephonodes kingii   Source:  Wikipedia

If you are noticing variations on a theme, be patient.  There are more exotic and different-looking moths also in this family.  Like this gorgeous little beauty found in Europe, North Africa and Asia.  I'm not sure if you have to drink a lot in order to see it, but the pink Small Elephant Hawk-Moth is usually seen May through July.

Deilephila porcellus   Source:  Wikipedia

Found in India, Asia, and Australia, the Yam Hawk Moth has a wingspan of up to a little over 5 inches.

Theretra nessus   Source:  Wikipedia

Almost as big but found here in the United States, the Pandora Sphinx moth females are usually larger than the males.  Mainly seen at dusk, this moth has geometric darker patches with pink 'trim'.

  Eumorpha pandorus   Source:  Wikipedia

An even more dramatically decorated moth is the Oleander Hawk Moth.  Its camouflage resembles a face with eyes, nose, lips and mustache markings.

Daphnis nerii   Source:  Wikipedia

Like monarchs, these moths migrate spending the summer in Europe, and the winter in Asia and Africa.

Another pinkish moth, the Lime Hawk Moth lives throughout Europe and Asia, even as far north as Siberia.

Mimas tillae   Source:  Wikipedia

Noted for their size and sustained flying ability, the hawk moths are an interesting group.