Hydrangea sphinx facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Hydrangea sphinx |
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The hydrangea sphinx (scientific name: Darapsa versicolor) is a type of moth. It belongs to the Sphingidae family, which are often called sphinx moths or hawk moths. This moth lives in eastern North America, usually in wet areas like swamps or near water. Thaddeus William Harris first described this moth in 1839.
The Hydrangea Sphinx Moth
The hydrangea sphinx moth is known for its interesting looks and where it lives. It is a medium-sized moth that flies mostly at night. These moths play a role in their ecosystems, especially by helping to pollinate plants.
What it Looks Like
The hydrangea sphinx moth can have a wingspan of about 58 to 80 millimeters (about 2.3 to 3.1 inches). Its front wings are a mix of green and brown colors. They also have cool, curved white patches. These colors help the moth blend in with its surroundings, like leaves and bark.
Where it Lives
This moth lives across eastern North America. You can find it from Canada down to Florida and west to states like Texas. It prefers places with a lot of moisture, such as wetlands, swamps, and areas near rivers or ponds. This is because the plants its caterpillars eat grow in these wet environments.
Life Cycle and Food
The hydrangea sphinx moth goes through different stages in its life, just like other moths. It starts as an egg, then hatches into a caterpillar, turns into a pupa, and finally becomes an adult moth.
The caterpillars of the hydrangea sphinx moth are quite picky eaters. They mostly munch on the leaves of specific plants found in wet areas. These plants include:
- Wild hydrangea (Hydrangea arborescens)
- Buttonbush (Cephalanthus occidentalis)
- Water-willow (Decodon verticillatus)
Adult moths usually fly during the warmer months. In the northern parts of their habitat, they often have one flight period, usually from June to July. In the southern areas, where it's warmer for longer, you might see them flying throughout the warm season.
