Saturday, December 26, 2009

Sphinx moth - Elizabeth Smith



It was quite cold here right before Christmas (about 45 degrees Farenheit) at night. At first I thought this Sphinx moth was just lethargic from the cold; the next day I realized it was dead. I returned to collect it so that I could sketch a quick study, and was surprised to find parts missing within the space of an hour. Many little ants, beetles, and who knows what else were busy with dinner. They did leave me with a bit to draw, though.

You can click on the image above to view it on my Flickr photostream.

~ Elizabeth Smith, Naples, Florida, USA
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3 comments:

  1. Pam Johnson BrickellDecember 26, 2009 at 7:03 PM

    Interesting. I found them in November last year! We too had an early cold spell then. Haven't seen them this year yet but it's been milder.

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  2. Kate (Cathy Johnson)December 27, 2009 at 9:43 AM

    It really is amazing how the hungry little creatures turn out so quickly, isn't it! Beautiful, informative job on this, Elizabeth, thank you.

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  3. ElizabethDecember 27, 2009 at 5:01 PM

    Thank you Pam and Kate! It seems some of these moths are almost subtropical in nature, which I didn't know before. Maybe a moth/ insect person could add more information.

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