Beautiful Small-eyed Sphinx Moth

Small-eyed Sphinx Moth, near Atlanta, Georgia, May 9, 2016

This Small-eyed Sphinx Moth (Paonias myops) was resting on my vehicle on May 9, 2016 near Atlanta, Georgia.  I have been wanting to post it for some time, but have been happily busy with some other responsibilities.  I found a stick, got the moth to climb onto it, and transferred the moth to an azalea bush before driving away.  Enjoy!

Magnificent Pandora Sphinx Moth (By: Michele Babcock-Nice)

Pandora Sphinx Moth, Snellville, Georgia, September 4, 2015

I have been remiss in publishing this for awhile now.  On September 4, there was a beautiful Pandora Sphinx Moth (Eumorpha pandorus) resting on an azalea bush outside my home.  It was quite large, and I expect that it was probably a female.  I photographed it and left it where it was, with my family also viewing and enjoying its beauty.  I have had the pleasure of seeing these moths here in the South, having seen many in past years in North Carolina.  They are truly gorgeous!

“Tersa Sphinx Moth” (By: Michele Babcock-Nice)

Tersa Sphinx Moth (Photo Credit: http://www.coralreefphotos.com/tersa-sphinx-moth-xylophanes-tersa-tersa-moths/tersa-sphinx-hodges-xylophanes-tersa/)

This morning, as I was loading up my son’s backpack and instrument in my vehicle for the daily drive to school, a Tersa Sphinx Moth (Xylophanes tersa)  flew past my left ear and into the vehicle!  What a wonderful late summer treat here in Georgia! 

As the moth flew past me into my vehicle, I heard a loud whirring sound, and knew it was some type of large moth.  Because it was still quite dark outside, it was difficult to ascertain whether or not the moth was in my vehicle, however I saw it flying around.  It’s wings were moving so, so fast – just like those of a hummingbird.  And, the sound that it’s wings made were just like those of a hummingbird, as well. 

I decided to close the door of my vehicle so the moth remained inside until I was able to show it to my son.  In fact, I showed it to my entire family, explaining about the loud whirring sound of it’s wings when it flew past my ear, sounding like the hum of a hummingbird’s wings.  My son let it out of the vehicle, and after getting it’s wings warmed up by landing on a nearby plant, it was on it’s way.  What a nice experience to start off our morning!

References:

Brown, B. (2011).  Coral Reef Photos.  Retrieved on September 17, 2013.  http://www.coralreefphotos.com/tersa-sphinx-moth-xylophanes-tersa-tersa-moths/tersa-sphinx-hodges-xylophanes-tersa/