Rustic sphinx Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids Rustic sphinx

Conservation status
Secure (NatureServe)
Scientific classification
Synonyms
Sphinx rustica Fabricius, 1775 Sphinx chionanthi J. E. Smith, 1797 Protoparce nigrita Clark, 1926 Protoparce postscripta Clark, 1926 Protoparce rustica auriflua Gehlen, 1930 Phlegethontius rustica harterti Rothschild, 1894 Protoparce rustica calapagensis Holland, 1889 Phlegethontius rustica cortesi Cary, 1963 Protoparce rustica cubana Wood, 1915 Protoparce rustica dominicana Gehlen, 1928

Manduca rustica, the rustic sphinx, is a moth of the family Sphingidae. The species was first described by Johan Christian Fabricius in 1775.

Distribution
Description
Biology
Subspecies
Gallery
See also

Distribution

It is found in the southern parts of the United States (straying into the northern United States at times), southward through Mexico, Central America and South America to Uruguay.

Description

Male Manduca rustica rustica, dorsal view
Male Manduca rustica rustica, ventral view

Biology

The larvae feed on Jasminum and Bignonia species and other plants of the families Verbenaceae, Convolvulaceae and Lamiaceae and Boraginaceae.

The species is widespread and adaptable, living in varied habitats from rainforests to deserts and thriving in urban and disturbed habitat. It can live on many types of native and exotic plants.

Subspecies

Manduca rustica cortesi (Cary, 1963) (Mexico)
Manduca rustica cubana (Wood, 1915) (Cuba, Jamaica)
Manduca rustica calapagensis (Holland, 1889) (Galápagos Islands)
Manduca rustica harterti (Rothschild, 1894) (Lesser Antilles, including Bonaire and St. Lucia)
Manduca rustica rustica (Americas)