A friend shared a captivating photo of a uniquely patterned and stunning moth on social media. The sheer beauty of this moth piqued my curiosity. Unlike the dedicated scientist that I am, Allison hadn’t identified her moth. I was so intrigued that I would have postponed my grocery shopping until I knew more about this fascinating creature.
Photo by Allison Fraclose
Unraveling the True Identity
When I put the photo into a search box, the initial identification was Afflicted Dagger Moth (Acronticta afflicta). What an intriguing name. What made it a dagger moth, and what was it afflicted with? Wow! The markings on the moths’ forewings supposedly resemble daggers, hence the name dagger moths. Okay, I understand the name dagger moth, but why does the name of this specific species include Afflicted. Why is this moth afflicted, what does it afflict, or what is the species afflicted with? Afflicted is even included in the Latin scientific name afflicta. Despite the tremendous amount of online information, I never found the answer. Please send me a note if you know why this dagger moth is afflicted. I’d really like to know.
My research led me to the discovery that the Afflicted Dagger moths, which I initially thought the moth was, are not found in Arizona. This realization only added to the mystery and excitement. The list of black and white moths in Arizona, including Gnophaela latipennis, Melanchroia chephise, and the White-lined Sphinx (Hyles lineata), eventually led me to the correct identification. Allison’s moth was a rare find-a Rustic Sphinx moth (Manduca rustica).
Introducing the Rustic Sphinx Moth
The rustic sphinx moth is very large and often mistaken for a hummingbird due to its size, rapid wingsbeat, and flying agility. These nocturnal pollinators of many night-blooming flowers feed using their long proboscises.
The caterpillars are called hornworms because of the horns on their hind ends. The appearance of this horn is how the Rustic Sphinx moth can be distinguished from other sphinx moths.
When the caterpillars feed, their bodies resemble the famous Sphinx. Their hind end is flat against the surface of the branch or leaf, while the head and front end curve upward. Hence, this group of moths is called Sphinx moths.
Some plants have evolved specifically to attract sphinx moths for pollination; they are called sphingophilous. The flowers keep their nectar so deep inside that only hummingbirds and moths with long proboscises can reach it. The plant ensures the pollen is left on the pollinators and carried to the next flower.
It’s a bittersweet fact that these adult moths, with their striking beauty and unique characteristics, have a short lifespan of only 10-30 days. I’m grateful that my friend had the opportunity to encounter this one and share its beauty with us, making us appreciate the fleeting moments of nature.
If you enjoyed learning about the Rustic Sphinx moth, check out my educational workbooks on the Sonoran Desert! They’re full of fun facts and activities about the region’s unique plants and animals.
