SPHINXES. 
189 
SPHINGIDJE. 
Dusk-Jlij ers. 
The interesting group of moths that come under this head have 
long been favorites with collectors. Their trim, graceful shapes, the 
pleasing tints and large size of many of the species, combined with 
the grotesque attitudes assumed by the larvae, make them objects of 
unusual interest. The name “ Sphinx moths ” was given to the 
group by Linnaeus on account of a fanciful resemblance which the 
larvae bear while at rest to the fabled Sphinx. Clasping the twig 
with the posterior feet the caterpillar raises the forward part of the 
body and remains in this attitude sometimes for hours. These 
insects also go by the common name of Humming-bird moths, from 
the habit of the insects, which while poised on rapidly vibrating 
wings extract the honey from the flowers. Hawk moths, too, is 
a name given this group, probably from the strong, direct flight of 
the insects. 
These moths have powerful, long, narrow wings, particularly the 
upper pair, and stout spindle-shaped bodies. The antennae are stout, 
thickened in the middle and usually supplied with a curved hook 
at the tip. The tongue is often very long, although in some species 
it is short. The eyes are large and prominent. In one group the 
wings are transparent, resembling in this respect the JEgeriadce. 
They have strong, well-developed legs. Most of the species fly only 
at dusk of morning and evening, while others fly late into the night, 
and a few only in the daytime in the hot sunshine. The larvae are 
usually smooth, naked caterpillars, green in color, with oblique light 
stripes along the sides, and supplied with a sharp curved horn on the 
top of the next to the last segment. In some species this caudal 
