Hermit sphinx facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Hermit sphinx |
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The hermit sphinx (scientific name: Lintneria eremitus) is a type of moth. It belongs to a family of moths called Sphingidae. A scientist named Jacob Hübner first described this moth in 1823.
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Meet the Hermit Sphinx Moth
The hermit sphinx moth is often found in the eastern United States. It also lives north into southern Canada. You can spot it across the Great Plains. These moths love gardens and yards. They are common wherever their favorite flowers and food plants grow.
This moth can look a lot like the Canadian sphinx. However, these two moths usually live in different places. So, you probably won't find them together.
Life as an Adult Moth
The hermit sphinx moth has a wingspan of about 65 to 75 millimeters. That's about the length of your palm! There is one group of these moths born each year. Adult moths fly from late June to August.
They drink nectar from flowers with deep shapes. They especially like light-colored flowers. Some of their favorites are phlox (Phlox species) and milkweed (Asclepias species). Adult moths usually fly around at dusk, which is early evening. They are also easily drawn to lights at night.
What the Caterpillars Eat
The young hermit sphinx moths are called larvae, or caterpillars. They eat many different plants. These plants belong to the mint family, called Lamiaceae. Some of their favorite foods include Lycopus, Mentha (mint), Monarda, and Salvia (sage) species. The caterpillars can be green, black, or brown in color.
Images for kids
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A male hermit sphinx moth, seen from above.
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A male hermit sphinx moth, seen from below.
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A female hermit sphinx moth, seen from above.
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A female hermit sphinx moth, seen from below.
