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Post by trehopr1 on Sept 23, 2019 8:46:55 GMT
Pictured below, I offer up 2 "nice" sphinx species of the Eastern U.S. Both are generally uncommon when encountered but, the right place and time could offer up 2 or 3 at once. The top specimen is our gorgeous Banded Sphinx (Eumorpha fasciatus). It is only the 2nd hawkmoth species bearing such "intense" pink coloration --- aside from our Pink-spotted Sphinx (Agrius cingulata) which so to speak "takes the cake" at #1. Up next, is our fabulous Hydrangea Sphinx (Darapsa versicolor). The green forewings and reddish-brown hindwings of this species along with a "hint" of pinkish overlay lends it a certain respect in its own right. I collected both within the last 5 years and was very fortunate to say the least in getting wild caught ex-pupa examples. Have not seen anything as nice since these...  |
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Post by Paul K on Sept 23, 2019 13:23:32 GMT
Eumorpha fasciatus is one of my favourites Sphinx moths.
They are very rare in southern Ontario and occur here only as a single strays, never see one, but I must admit I don’t go much for light collecting here.
I was fortunate to collect one A1 specimen while on my collecting trip to French Guiana.
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Post by trehopr1 on Sept 23, 2019 18:06:28 GMT
I'll bet that trip you took to French Guiana is well remembered for a lifetime. Man, that's crazy bugg'in out there.... A place I've always desired to go !
A friend of mine spent 3 weeks there back in 1987 (when travel was far less complicated); and he literally brought back nearly 6000 specimens. Most of it was due to his light collecting at night. In time, he of coarse kept the best for himself but, he then started selling off his extra's (which were generally still quite good). I've managed getting about 20 nice specimens from him over the years and yet others have gotten many more. What a place....
Did you Paul, happen to collect a green sphinx species there which is known as Oryba kaydeni ? Singular individuals it seems are only encountered here and there. My friend in 3 weeks only managed one but, it was ex pupa. Fantastic species.... It has the largest "globe-like" compound eyes of any sphinx moth I can think of offhand !
If you managed to get one can you show us it sometime?
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jhyatt
Aurelian
Posts: 224
Country: U.S.A.
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Post by jhyatt on Sept 23, 2019 18:08:54 GMT
In the southern Appalachians in TN, KY, VA, and NC, D. versicolor is decidedly a high-altitude species. I've never taken it below about 4,000'.
In July, 2018, some friends and I took all three eastern US Darapsa species on Unaka Mtn. in Unicoi Co., TN, at close to 5,000'... along with
Catocala marmorata, among others! Sphinx francki wasflying there, too.
jh
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