INSECTS INJURIOUS TO THE PLUM. 



ATTACKING^ THE LEAVES, 

 No. 83. The Plum-tree Sphinx. 



Sphinx drupiferarum (Sm. & Abb.). 



The moths belonging to the family known as Sphinx moths 

 are peculiar in their form and habits. Their bodies are robust, 

 and their wings are usually long and narrow and possess great 

 strength and capacity for rapid flight. On the wing they 

 much resemble humming-birds, and hence are frequently called 



FIG. 170. 



humming-bird moths. Most of the species remain torpid 

 during the day, but become active about dusk, when they 

 may be seen poising in the air over some flower, with their 

 wings rapidly vibrating, and producing a humming sound. 



The plum sphinx is a handsome insect, and is well repre- 

 sented in Fig. 170. It appears as a moth during the month 

 of June ; its body is about an inch and a half long, and its 

 162 



