Abbott’s Sphinx
Sphecodina abbottii (Swainson, 1821)P-no. 890192, fam. Sphingidae
Host plant: Found on wild grape (Vitus sp.)
Dates found: 27 June, 2026
Locations found: Pinewoods Lake Recreation Area, Carter County, MO
Notes: The ultimate instar presents an eerie, hyper-realistic “eyespot” complete with an iris, pupil, and even a white catchlight reflection. Along with the scale-like pattern, it becomes an apt snake mimic. If a predator comes too close, the caterpillar will lash, squeak, and try to bite its attacker. While this larval form makes a great interpretation of a snake, the diurnal adult phase makes a great bee mimic, including yellow patches on its hind wings. When at rest, the moth folds in its hind wings, leaving it perfectly camouflaged against the bark of a tree.
A Thousand Acres of Silphiums 