Oleander Sphinx Moth

Description:

Brown and Tan Sphinx Moth with bright orange underwings. This is the male. (The female is more grey than brown.) It has white antennae and is completely white on the underside of the abdomen with 4 sets of dark spots (Picture 3). Sphinx antennae are distinctive and superficially looks cord-like, however the sensory strand part of the antennae is actually a multiple looped band which greatly increases the space available for the pheromone detection sensors (Picture 4). This sphinx moth also clearly shows the neat locking mechanism these moths have for keeping the underwings in position during flight. The hind wing has a long flexible spine which fits through a loop in the upper wing. The spine can move in and out allowing the underwing to change position but not lose contact with the upper wing (Pictures 5 and 6).

Habitat:

Came to the parking lights of a shopping mall, San Cristobal de Las Casas, 2,200 meters. I brought him home, took pictures and let him go in the woods. Hopefully he won't get near any more parking lots.