The Smerinthinae are a subfamily of hawk moths or sphinx moths within the family Sphingidae. They are commonly known for several distinctive features, often including the presence of prominent "eyespots" on their hindwings, though this characteristic is not universal across all species in the subfamily.
Characteristics
Smerinthinae moths are typically medium to large-sized, robust-bodied moths.- Wings: Their forewings are often cryptically patterned to resemble bark or leaves, providing excellent camouflage when at rest. The hindwings, however, frequently display bright contrasting colors (often red, pink, or yellow) with large, striking eyespots. These eyespots are thought to serve as a startle display to deter predators when the moth is disturbed, suddenly revealing the brightly colored hindwings.
- Proboscis: Unlike many other hawk moths (particularly those in the Macroglossinae subfamily), species within Smerinthinae often have a proboscis that is reduced or even vestigial, meaning they may not feed as adults, or feed only very sparingly. This contrasts with long-tongued hawk moths which are important pollinators.
- Antennae: Antennae are typically filiform (thread-like) and often slightly flattened or clubbed towards the tip.
- Sexual Dimorphism: Some species exhibit significant sexual dimorphism in size or coloration.
Lifecycle
Like all Sphingidae, Smerinthinae undergo complete metamorphosis.- Eggs: Eggs are laid singly on the host plant leaves.
- Larvae: The caterpillars are typically large, smooth, and green, often with diagonal stripes or small tubercles, and possess a distinctive "horn" at the posterior end, characteristic of most Sphingidae larvae. They are usually monophagous or oligophagous, feeding on a restricted range of host plants, often trees and shrubs such as willow (Salix), poplar (Populus), alder (Alnus), birch (Betula), and apple (Malus).
- Pupae: Pupation usually occurs in a chamber just below the soil surface, rather than in a cocoon above ground.
- Adults: Adults are typically nocturnal, flying at dusk or during the night.
Genera and Distribution
The Smerinthinae subfamily has a worldwide distribution, with species found in nearly all terrestrial habitats where their host plants occur. Notable genera include:- Smerinthus (e.g., Eyed Hawk-moth - Smerinthus ocellata)
- Laothoe (e.g., Poplar Hawk-moth - Laothoe populi)
- Paonias (e.g., Blinded Sphinx - Paonias excaecata)
- Amorpha
- Mimas (e.g., Lime Hawk-moth - Mimas tiliae)
Classification
Smerinthinae is one of three commonly recognized subfamilies within the Sphingidae, the others being Sphinginae and Macroglossinae. Phylogenetic studies continue to refine the relationships within the family, but Smerinthinae is generally considered a distinct clade.References
- Sphingidae of the World
- Kitching, I.J. & Cadiou, J.-M. (2000) Hawkmoths of the World: An Annotated and Illustrated Revisionary Checklist (Lepidoptera: Sphingidae). Cornell University Press, New York.