Subfamily Sphinginae

Latreille, 1802

Etymology

Sphinginae: Named for the resemblance of the caterpillars to an Egyptian Sphinx.

The suffix inae is standard taxonomic nomenclature to indicate that word pertains to a zoological subfamily.

Pronunciation

Sfinj-in-ee

Overview

Sphinginae is the smallest subfamily of moths within the family Sphingidae. This cosmopolitan subfamily is currently divided into five distinct tribes worldwide with only one, Sphingini occuring in the United States. At least 21 species of Sphinginae have been documented in Indiana or in the Midwest, including several specialized feeders who are named after their respective host plants.

Members of the Sphinginae, subfamily include some species that are adapted to feed on nectar and some that do not.

Photo Credits

Sphingini courtesy of Rick Malad.