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Clemens' hawkmoth facts for kids

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Clemens' hawkmoth
Sphinx luscitiosa MHNT CUT 2010 0 477 Glens Fall - Warren Co. N.Y male dorsal.jpg
Sphinx luscitiosa
Sphinx luscitiosa MHNT CUT 2010 0 477 Glens Fall - Warren Co. N.Y male ventral.jpg
Sphinx luscitiosa♂ △
Scientific classification
Synonyms
  • Sphinx luscitiosa benjamini Clark, 1932
  • Sphinx luscitiosa bombax Barnes & Benjamin, 1927
  • Sphinx luscitiosa borealis Clark, 1931
  • Sphinx luscitiosa una (Skinner, 1903)

The Clemens' hawkmoth, also known as Sphinx luscitiosa, is a type of moth. It is part of the Sphingidae family, which are often called hawkmoths or sphinx moths. These moths are known for their strong, fast flight. This particular hawkmoth was first officially described by a scientist named James Brackenridge Clemens in 1859.

About Clemens' Hawkmoth

Clemens' hawkmoth is a medium-sized moth. Its wingspan usually measures between 56 and 80 millimeters. That's about the length of a credit card!

Where Do They Live?

You can find Clemens' hawkmoth in many parts of North America. They live from Nova Scotia in the east, all the way south to New Jersey. They also spread west through states like Michigan and Wisconsin. You can even find them in the northern plains, reaching Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Montana. Sometimes, they are seen as far north as Yukon and south to Utah.

Life Cycle

These moths usually have one generation each year. This means that the adults fly around and lay eggs once per year. You can typically spot the adult moths flying from June to July.

What Do They Eat?

The young moths, called larvae or caterpillars, eat leaves from several different kinds of plants. Their favorite foods include:

  • Salix species
  • Populus species (like poplars and aspens)
  • Malus species (apple trees)
  • Fraxinus species (ash trees)
  • Morella species
  • Betula species (birch trees)
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