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"Big Larval Thing" - Gotta See This Update w/Pix!

8 years ago

Thanks Jean, The Logician and rhizo_1 for your help! So, I did figure out it was a Sphinx Moth pupa. We were afraid to touch it at first not knowing what it was but in way less than 24 hours it has turned into a beautiful creature! It is alive but hopefully just getting itself together before flying off.

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Comments (5)

rhizo_1 (North AL) zone 7
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
Isn't it a BEAUT? That's Manduca sexta, the Tobacco Hornworm moth. Those six bright spots are an identifying feature.

It's long proboscis is now coiled up tightly under the 'chin', hidden in that lovely fur stole it's wearing. When visiting flowers in the evening, you can see it uncoil, dipping into the flower nectaries.
kcchiefsfan thanked rhizo_1 (North AL) zone 7
kcchiefsfan
Original Author
8 years ago
Tobacco Hornworm moth, I called it a Sphinx Moth, maybe they're the same? It did have a really nice fur coat! It is gone now, I assume it flew off this afternoon. Glad I got some good before and after pictures, though. This was one of the most interesting and fascinating things of my summer, so far at least!
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The Logician LLC
8 years ago
There are dozens of different Sphinx Moth species, yours happened to be the Tobacco Hornworm. The term sphinx moth is very common, although the "sphinx" describes the posture of the caterpillar at certain times. The common terms hawk moth or hummingbird moth more accurately describe the adult.
kcchiefsfan thanked The Logician LLC
rhizo_1 (North AL) zone 7
8 years ago
The nickname 'Sphinx Moth' comes from the family name, Sphingidae. If you research the family as a whole, I think you'll be amazed at the diversity within this large and interesting family of moths. Most, not all, Sphinx caterpillars bear little horns on their posterior.

Your pictures are so great; I especially liked the one in the other thread that showed the moth in the process of struggling out of its pupa.
kcchiefsfan
Original Author
8 years ago
Sounds like you know quite a bit about moths. I did look up Shpingidae and found BugGuide.net. Interesting site, bookmarked it. If I had known what was going on I would have taken a pic every couple of hours. Thanks!

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