LEPIDOPTERA
Order Lepidoptera encompasses both Butterflies and Moths with around 12,000 species found across North America. Interestingly, Moths make up the greater number of the two with fewer than 1,000 being Butterfly species. The Butterfly-like 'Skipper' is also part of the group but noted for their shorter, stockier bodies. Butterflies and Moths are a very common sight throughout the state of Tennessee throughout the summer months, Butterflies found during the day and Moths more likely to be encountered during the evening / night time hours.
The Taxonomic Breakdown is the scientific way to categorize a partocular insect species from its largest group (Animalia) to its smallest (variable). The Genus and Species categorizations taken together make up the species' scientific name shown above, in this case Sphinx canadensis.
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Lepidoptera
Family: Sphingidae
Genus: Sphinx
Species: canadensis
Nocturnal: Most likely to be spotted during night time hours.
Outdoors: Typically found across the great outdoors.
Six-Legged: Six legs are common to this insect.
Striped / Banded: Noticeable stripes or banding pattern.
Winged: Has wings to hop or fly over distance.
The Canadian Sphinx Moth has been identified by site users by the following descriptors:
large outdoors flying flight wings winged hairy fuzzy eyes six-legged dusk night stripes striped
The general likelihood of encountering this insect based on a given month of the year in the state of Tennessee. Generally, the best sighting months are June through August with peak occurring in July.
41F
JAN
44F
FEB
53F
MAR
62F
APR
70F
MAY
78F
JUN
80F
JUL
79F
AUG
73F
SEP
62F
OCT
52F
NOV
44F
DEC
Below is a representation of the 'smallest-small' and 'largest-large' sizes commonly associated with the Canadian Sphinx Moth. Due to monitor differences, sizes may not be exact on your particular screen. Conversions to millimeters are provided for convenience.
Lowest-Low:
1.77 inches (45 mm)
Highest-High:
1.97 inches (50 mm)
Below you will find the colors most commonly associated with the Canadian Sphinx Moth. Both Primary and Secondary colors are represented in the showcase. Due to monitor differences, colors may not be exact representations.
The Canadian Sphinx Moth can be found in the following Tennessee counties:
Image of an adult Canadian Sphinx Moth flying insect at rest.; Credit: Kathleen P. of Schuyler Lake, New York.
This image is original to www.InsectIdentification.org; Used with Permission.
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