Synonyms and other taxonomic changes
Sphecodina abbottii (
Swainson, 1821)
Explanation of Names
Named for the pioneering naturalist and illustrator,
John Abbott (1751-1840).
Identification
Short body and cryptic wings distinctive. Hindwings have a yellow "flash pattern".
Larvae start out green with a horn on the final segment. Middle instar larvae are whitish to blue-green with dark faint cross-stripes and the horn replaced by an orange raised knob on the last segment (A8). The last instars may be either brown with a "wood-grain" pattern or brown with ten pale green saddles along the back. In these late instars the knob resembles an eye.
Range
Eastern and central North America: Maine to Florida, west to Minnesota, Kansas, Texas.
Habitat
Edges of woodlands, presumably.
Season
February-August with two flights in deep south (e.g., Louisiana). May-June in much of range, with one flight.
Food
Adults take nectar. Male is reported to fly around dusk, female to fly near midnight.
Larvae feed on Grape, Vitis and Ampelopsis.
Print References
Covell p. 42, plate 6
(1)
Salsbury, p. 327--photo of adult
(2)
Wagner, p. 16--photo larva
(3)
