THE 



BOOK OF BUTTERFLIES. 



GENUS SPHINX, OR HAWK MOTHS. 



THE insects of the genus Sphinx are sometime?, 

 in Britain, called Hawk Moths. They have, in 

 general, a large thorax, and thick body, most usually 

 tapering towards the tail, or posterior extremity. 



The name of this genus is derived from the posi- 

 tion assumed by several of the caterpillars of the 

 larger species bearing a strong resemblance to that 

 of the Egyptian Sphinx, the fore parts being elevated, 

 and the rest of the body adhering flatly to the surface 

 on which it rests. 



The flight of the larger species is generally in the 

 twilight of evening, or early in the dawn of morning. 



VOL. II. B 



