What is Smerinthinae?
The Smerinthinae is the second largest subfamily in the family Sphingidae with about 77genera worldwide containing about 329 species. In the US, it contains 6 genera and about 16 species. The type specimen is Loathoe populi (Linnaeus, 1758).
Smerinthinae sphingids are generally medium sized with some being large. The smallest species in the USA has forewings about 22mm in length up to the largest having 53mm forewings. This subfamily is associated with a weaker, less directed flight. Many species in this subfamily do not feed, and feeding is restricted to only the tribe Ambulycini. The other two tribes in this subfamily are Smerinthini and the Spingulini.
The following genera can be found in this subfamily:
Protambulyx - 2 Species
Adhemarius - 1 Species
Smerinthus - 4 Species
Paonias - 3 Species
Amorpha - 1 Species
Pachysphinx - 2 Species
The gallery below contains a few select species from this subfamily. It is not inclusive and doesn't represent all of the species found in the USA.
The Smerinthinae is the second largest subfamily in the family Sphingidae with about 77genera worldwide containing about 329 species. In the US, it contains 6 genera and about 16 species. The type specimen is Loathoe populi (Linnaeus, 1758).
Smerinthinae sphingids are generally medium sized with some being large. The smallest species in the USA has forewings about 22mm in length up to the largest having 53mm forewings. This subfamily is associated with a weaker, less directed flight. Many species in this subfamily do not feed, and feeding is restricted to only the tribe Ambulycini. The other two tribes in this subfamily are Smerinthini and the Spingulini.
The following genera can be found in this subfamily:
Protambulyx - 2 Species
Adhemarius - 1 Species
Smerinthus - 4 Species
Paonias - 3 Species
Amorpha - 1 Species
Pachysphinx - 2 Species
The gallery below contains a few select species from this subfamily. It is not inclusive and doesn't represent all of the species found in the USA.
