tob12
New Member
Posts: 1
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Post by tob12 on Jun 5, 2020 9:15:24 GMT -8
Western Massachusetts. Bug with mothlike wings and antennae, shaped like a lobster without the claws, two yellow stripes on its back. It was flying around my fly trap. Couldn't upload video, here is Imgur link imgur.com/a/PnGYGMf |
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Post by Adam Cotton on Jun 5, 2020 11:22:21 GMT -8
It is a day-flying Sphingid (hornworm) moth. I am not familiar with N. American species, but I am sure there will be people here who can identify this rather distinctive species.
Interestingly it is either feeding on whatever liquid is in the trap or trying to. You can see its proboscis (sucking mouthpart) dipping into the trap all the time.
I edited the subject line to attract the attention of the 'right' people to help.
Adam.
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Post by exoticimports on Jun 5, 2020 12:00:24 GMT -8
Amphion floridensis. Used to be A. nessus. As far as I’m concerned it’s still A nessus, just like it’s still the BRITISH Museum of Natural History
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Post by Adam Cotton on Jun 5, 2020 13:41:42 GMT -8
I edited the reply because the species name must start with a small letter. Presumably it was an "autocorrect" problem.
I presume Amphion nessus had to be changed because of the Asian Sphingid name Theretra nessus, I guess it's a junior homonym.
As for your second sentence, I agree BMNH will always be BMNH.
Adam.
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Post by bichos on Jun 6, 2020 15:21:59 GMT -8
Wow, thats a sweet lil moth
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Post by trehopr1 on Jun 6, 2020 17:59:10 GMT -8
Well, now isn't that curious -- a hummingbird hawkmoth feeding at what looks like a hummingbird "feeder" type device. Amphion nessus (Nessus sphinx) is an active little hawkmoth near dusk time -- the last couple hours before the sun sets... Otherwise, you pretty much don't see them as the species does not like the heat of the day (generally).
Other "clear-winged" species which are black/yellow like bumblebees favor the bright sunlit hours and can be readily captured when the milkweeds are in bloom.
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Post by exoticimports on Jun 8, 2020 3:56:49 GMT -8
The first A nessus (floridensis) I found was in suburban NY lying upside down, dead, in a road culvert covered with ants. I, of course, was ecstatic, to have finally discovered a specimen of the elusive ruby and yellow wonder.
Over years of observation, I've seen them at all times of the day, often feeding at thistles, impatients, and hummingbird feeders.
In summer 2018, at Gemini Springs Park, DeBary FL I observed many adults flying through a field of low lying wild grape vines during mid-day.
The species does come to UV and MV lamps.
It remains one of my favorite hawkmoths, along with the like-shaped abbottii, and is always a joy to observe.
Chuck
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