The Sphingidae are a family of moths Lepidoptera. They are commonly known as hawk moths, sphinx moths and hornworms. There are about 1,200 described species in the family (Grimaldi & Engel, 2005). It is best represented in the tropics but there are species in every region (Scoble, 1995). They are moderate to large in size. Among the Lepidoptera, they are distinguished for their rapid, sustained flying ability (Scoble, 1995). The narrow wings and streamlined abdomen are clearly adaptations for rapid flight.

Some hawk moths, like the hummingbird hawk moth, hover in midair while they feed on nectar from flowers and are sometimes mistaken for hummingbirds. This hovering capability has evolved only three times in nectar feeders: in hummingbirds and certain bats. Sphingids have been much studied for their flying ability, and especially their ability to move rapidly from side to side while hovering, called 'swing-hovering.' It is thought that this talent evolved to deal with ambush predators that lie in wait in flowers.

They are some of the fastest flying insects, capable of flying at over 30 miles per hour. They have a wingspan of 35-150 mm.

Life cycle

Most species are multivoltine, capable of producing several generations a year if weather conditions permit.

Eggs

Females lay translucent greenish, flattened, smooth eggs. Eggs are usually laid singly  on the host plants. Egg development time is highly variable, from 3 to 21 days.

Description

Antennae are generally not very feathery, even in the males . They lack tympanal organs but members of the tribe Choerocampini have hearing organs on their heads. They have a frenulum and retinaculum to join hindwings and forewings. The thorax, abdomen, and wings are densely covered in scales. Sphingids may have a reduced proboscis, but most have a very long proboscis. They use it to feed on nectar from flowers. Most are nocturnal, but some species fly during the day. Both males and females are relatively long-lived (living 10 to 30 days)  Prior to flight, most species shiver their flight muscles to warm them up, and, during flight, body temperatures may surpass 40°C.


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