Abbott's Sphinx - Sphecodina abbottii

This is really a beautiful sp

This is really a beautiful specimen but I'm confused about the variations in the adult examples of Abbott's Sphinx, using the 'search' feature here.

… freda holmes, 13 September, 2008 - 11:53am

Wonderful images, metric units preferred

I'm enjoying the wonderful images, new species, and localities you have been sharing over the past few days. One minor editorial note--metric units are preferred on the site, if possible.

An odd projection from the abdominal tip of this moth. I wonder if that's an ovipositor of some sort? I've not seen that, or noticed it, on specimens I've seen.

Patrick Coin
Durham, North Carolina

… Cotinis, 11 January, 2006 - 9:00pm

Rich colors!

The colors are richer than on the other photos of this species. About the tip of the abdomen: could it be that this is the way it looks when newly eclosed? May be it fans out later on.

… Beatriz Moisset, 12 January, 2006 - 8:20am

Colors

Yes, I noticed the brightness of the colors. The ones I've photographed have all been buzzing about lights for some time, so that makes sense.

Patrick Coin
Durham, North Carolina

… Cotinis, 12 January, 2006 - 9:46am