The genus Cocytius has 2 species in the USA, and 6 around the world. This is a New-World genus, found only in the Americas.
Type specimen: Sphinx (Cocytius) antaeus - Drury, 1773
Synonyms: Amphonyx
General Information: These are large moths, most have brown mottled forewings with various markings. Some of the species have clear paneling on the hindwings. Most species have very large proboscises.
If you have narrowed something down to this genus, you can use this key to help you narrow down your search to species:
1: Forewing is distinctly brown-gray with lots of mottling. The hindwings have a large clear patch. The basal part of the hindwing has yellow and there are 3 pairs of yellow spots on the abdomen. This is a very large moth… Cocytius antaeus
1’: Forewing is gray with a distinctive bluish tint. The hindwings have a large clear patch. The basal part of the hindwing has yellow and there are 3 pairs of yellow spots on the abdomen. This moth is slightly smaller than above… Cocytius duponchel
Species List:
Cocytius antaeus
Cocytius duponchel
The gallery below shows photos of select species in the genus.
Type specimen: Sphinx (Cocytius) antaeus - Drury, 1773
Synonyms: Amphonyx
General Information: These are large moths, most have brown mottled forewings with various markings. Some of the species have clear paneling on the hindwings. Most species have very large proboscises.
If you have narrowed something down to this genus, you can use this key to help you narrow down your search to species:
1: Forewing is distinctly brown-gray with lots of mottling. The hindwings have a large clear patch. The basal part of the hindwing has yellow and there are 3 pairs of yellow spots on the abdomen. This is a very large moth… Cocytius antaeus
1’: Forewing is gray with a distinctive bluish tint. The hindwings have a large clear patch. The basal part of the hindwing has yellow and there are 3 pairs of yellow spots on the abdomen. This moth is slightly smaller than above… Cocytius duponchel
Species List:
Cocytius antaeus
Cocytius duponchel
The gallery below shows photos of select species in the genus.