BOOK OF BUTTERFLIES. 



GENUS SPHINXj OB HAWK MOTHS. 



The insects of the genus Sphinx are sometimes, 

 in Britain, called Hawk Moths. They have, in 

 general, a large thorax, and thick body, most usual- 

 ly 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 eleva- 

 ted, 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. 

 Some of the smaller ones are to be met with 

 during day, although they are much more rarely 

 seen than butterflies. 



VOL. II. B 



