One-eyed sphinx facts for kids
Quick facts for kids One-eyed sphinx |
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Smerinthus
|
| Species: |
cerisyi
|
| Synonyms | |
|
|
The One-eyed sphinx (scientific name: Smerinthus cerisyi) is a type of moth. It is also known as Cerisy's sphinx. This moth belongs to the Sphingidae family, which includes many large, strong-flying moths.
A scientist named William Kirby first described this species in 1837. He named it after another person, Alexandre Louis Lefèbvre de Cérisy.
Contents
Where Does the One-Eyed Sphinx Live?
This moth lives across a large part of North America. You can find it in south-eastern Alaska. It also lives in the southern parts of all Canadian provinces.
In the United States, it is found in northern border states. This includes areas like northern Indiana, Pennsylvania, and Ohio. It also lives along the west coast, reaching southern California. Further east, it can be found in the Rocky Mountains and western New Mexico. Its range extends north to western North Dakota. The moth has also been seen in Illinois and as far south as Missouri.
What Does the One-Eyed Sphinx Look Like?
The One-eyed sphinx is a fairly large moth. Its wingspan is usually around 95 millimeters (about 3.7 inches). This means its wings stretch almost 4 inches from tip to tip.
You are most likely to see these moths during the summer months. They are known for their unique "eye spot" on their hind wings, which looks like a large eye. This spot helps to scare away predators.
What Do They Eat?
Like all moths, the One-eyed sphinx goes through different life stages. In its larval stage, it is a caterpillar. These caterpillars have specific food preferences.
The caterpillars of the One-eyed sphinx moth mainly feed on the leaves of willow trees (Salix). They also enjoy eating the leaves of poplar trees (Populus). These trees provide the energy they need to grow and change into moths.
Life Cycle
The One-eyed sphinx moth starts its life as an egg. The egg hatches into a larva, which is a caterpillar. This caterpillar eats a lot and grows quickly. After growing enough, the caterpillar changes into a pupa. The pupa stage is a resting stage where the caterpillar transforms into an adult moth. Finally, the adult moth emerges from the pupa. The adult moths then mate and lay eggs, starting the cycle all over again.
Images for kids
-
Male dorsal view
-
Male ventral view
