Genus Amphion

Classification · Synonyms and other taxonomic changes · Explanation of Names · Numbers · Works Cited

Nessus sphinx moth Amphion floridensis - Amphion floridensis

What kind of hummingbird moth? - Amphion floridensis

Nessus Sphinx Moth - Amphion floridensis

Moth on mint plant - Amphion floridensis

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Classification

Kingdom Animalia (Animals)

Phylum Arthropoda (Arthropods)

Class Insecta (Insects)

Order Lepidoptera (Butterflies and Moths)

No Taxon (Moths)

Superfamily Bombycoidea

Family Sphingidae (Sphinx Moths)

Subfamily Macroglossinae

Tribe Macroglossini

Genus Amphion

Synonyms and other taxonomic changes

Amphion Hübner 1819.

Explanation of Names

Amphion is a mythological name. Quoting Wikipedia--Amphion and Zethus:

Amphion and Zethus (also Zethos), in ancient Greek mythology, were the twin sons of Zeus by Antiope. They are important characters in one of the two founding myths of the city of Thebes, because they constructed the city's walls.... Amphion became a great singer and musician after Hermes taught him to play and gave him a golden lyre.

Amphion is usually portrayed with a lyre--perhaps there is a connection to the appearance of the moth--the forewings do have a curve similar to the curved arms of a lyre. Note that Zethus is a genus of wasps.

Numbers

Arnett and Nearctica.com list only 1 species, A. nessus = A. floridensis (1). A monotypic genus?

Works Cited

1.	American Insects: A Handbook of the Insects of America North of Mexico By Ross H. Arnett

Contributed by Troy Bartlett on 3 April, 2004 - 10:31pm
Additional contributions by cotinis
Last updated 13 May, 2009 - 9:10am

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