17. SPHINGIDAE (Hawk moths, Sphinx moths, Horn worms)
They are large sized stoutly built moths.
Antenna is thick towards middle and hooked at the tip.
Proboscis is very long.
Forewings are elongated and pointed with very oblique outer margin.
Hindwings are reduced in width fitting into the indendted margin of forewings. They are
powerful fliers.
Larva is smooth with a middorsal horn (anal horn) on the eighth abdominal segment.
Pupation takes place in earthern cells. In many species the proboscis is enclosed in a
separate sheath.
e.g. Death's head moth,
Acherontia styx
is a defoliator on gingelly. Markings present on
the thorax of the adult moth resemble human skull.
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