Moths of
the Amazon and Andes
Sculpted Sphinx
Xylophanes loelia
DRUCE, 1878
Family - SPHINGIDAE
subfamily -
MACROGLOSSINAE
Tribe -
introduction
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habitats |
lifecycle |
adult behaviour
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Xylophanes loelia,
Manu cloudforest, 1400m, Peru |
Introduction
The genus Xylophanes
comprises about 65 species, all of which are confined to the neotropical region.
All have a similar wing shape and long pointed abdomen. The species vary
considerably in colour but are all cryptically patterned to resemble wood, bark
or dead leaves.
Xylophanes loelia is
one of several very similar species marked on the forewings with a series of
thin suffused lines radiating from the apex towards the base of the inner
margin. The pattern gives the moths a very wooden appearance that is so
convincing that they appear to be sculpted. It is an extremely effective
camouflage when they are at rest amongst woody stems.
This
species occurs from Mexico to southern Peru.
Habitats
Xylophanes loelia
is a common species in mid-elevation cloudforest habitats. At lower altitudes it
is replaced by other
Xylophanes
species such as
aglaor and
isaon.
Lifecycle
To be completed.
Adult behaviour
The moths are commonly attracted to fluorescent or mercury vapour
lighting.
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