C)    10 inches

 

Sphinx Moths size, combined with their rapid wing beats, allows them to hover and feed in the manner of hummingbirds, for which they are sometimes mistaken. This type of flight requires a great deal of energy and creates a good deal of heat in the moth's body. For these reasons, moths feed exclusively on nectar and seek flowers which produce large amounts of this water source which also contain high amounts of sugar. The Evening Primrose (Onagraceae) Family is a favorite nectar source, particularly the Dune Evening Primrose, which the White-lined Sphinx Moth is responsible for pollinating. Source: Desert USA

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WHITE-LINED SPHINX MOTH Photo: Scott J. Hein