Pachysphinx
Pachysphinx modesta
Pachysphinx is a genus of butterflies of the family of moth ( Sphingidae ). The genus is native to the North American continent.
Features
The moths have a strong physique and a lively brown and gray wing patterning. The outer edges of the front wings are heavily grooved. The hind wings are reddish pink and wearing a striking blue color spot in Analwinkel. The hind wings are covered in the rest position by the front wing and shown in a flash when disturbed deterrence. As with other species of the tribe Smerinthini the mouthparts of the moths are much reduced form, and probably non-functional.
The relatively large caterpillars have a lime green color and bear the side of the back is a row of white longitudinal stripes, of which the last and most powerful enough to Analhorn.
Occurrence and life
The genus is widespread nearktisch from southern Canada to northern Mexico.
System
Worldwide, two species of the genus are known:
- Pachysphinx modesta (Harris, 1839)
- Pachysphinx occidentalis ( Edwards, 1875)
The taxonomic position of subtaxa is not yet fully understood. It was suggested by Eitschberger to recognize the population of Pachysphinx occidentalis from the southwestern United States as an independent species, and to designate imperator with the previously considered a synonym name Pachysphinx.