Identification, Images, & Information
For Insects, Spiders & Their Kin
For the United States & Canada
Home » Guide » Arthropods (Arthropoda) » Insects (Insecta) » Butterflies and Moths (Lepidoptera) » Moths » Bombycoidea » Sphinx Moths (Sphingidae) » Macroglossinae » Macroglossini » Xylophanes » Tersa Sphinx - Hodges#7890 (Xylophanes tersa)
Photo#266461
what are these? - Xylophanes tersa
Copyright © 1969 Barbara M.

what are these? - Xylophanes tersa
Fayetteville, Cumberland County, North Carolina, USA
December 31, 1969
Size: 2-3inches
has a hard shell, a horn or stinger, and can only move side to side at one place (like an elbow). i found it in the dirt while gardening
Contributed by Barbara M. on 16 April, 2009 - 12:37pm
Last updated 15 May, 2009 - 5:03pm

looks about right
http://www.pbase.com/artcons/image/103921920

Thanks.
… Barbara M., 16 April, 2009 - 7:14pm

Probably Tersa Sphinx Moth Larvae - Xylophanes tersa
B.P.
… Bob Patterson, 16 April, 2009 - 7:10pm

Pupae of Moths
The stage of development between a caterpillar and the winged adult (Imago). Usually hidden, maybe under ground, and as you observed, not meant to move around. The slashing motions and the thorn may deter a predator.
… margarethe brummermann, 16 April, 2009 - 1:11pm

Disclaimer: Dedicated naturalists volunteer their time and resources here to provide this service. We strive to provide accurate information, but we are mostly just amateurs attempting to make sense of a diverse natural world. If you need expert professional advice, contact your local extension office.

Contributors own the copyright to and are solely responsible for contributed content.
Click the contributor's name for licensing and usage information.
Everything else copyright © 2003-2010 Iowa State University, unless otherwise noted.

Bugguide is hosted by Iowa State University Entomology.