Pandora Sphinx MothEumorpha pandorus
Quick facts
- Rarity
- Rare
- Active during
- Night
- Found in
- Pollywog Cove
- Length
- 3 in
- Wingspan
- 1.8 in
From the field notes
Diet
These moths have an exceptionally long tongue (proboscis) that allows them to siphon nectar from deep, tubular flowers like petunias and honeysuckle while hovering in mid-air.
Defense
When threatened, the caterpillars pull their heads completely back into their bodies, puffing out their front segments to mimic a small snake's head.
Flight
They are one of the most capable fliers in the insect world, able to hover perfectly in mid-air and reach forward speeds of up to 30 miles per hour.
Chrysalis
When they finish growing, the caterpillars climb down and burrow several inches deep into the soft soil to safely transform and remain dormant through the winter as pupae.
Field Marks
Adults are easily recognizable by their velvety, geometric patchwork of olive greens, dark spots, and subtle flashes of pink.