Hawkmoth diversity at REGUA

Of the 110 species of hawkmoths (Family: Sphingidae) found in the Serra dos Órgãos mountains in Brazil's Atlantic Forest, a remarkable 72 species have now been recorded at REGUA. Mothing at the reserve during a two week trip last month produced 21 species, from all six Sphingidae tribes. The diversity is truly incredible. This post might be hawkmoth overload, but just take a look at this little lot (click on photos to enlarge)!

Tribe: Ambulycini

Male Protambulyx astygonus, 20 September 2012

Male Protambulyx eurycles, 19 September 2012

Adhemarius daphne daphne, 20 September 2012

Adhemarius daphne daphne, 20 September 2012, ventral surface

Adhemarius gagarini, 22 September 2012

Adhemarius palmeri, 18 September 2012

Tribe: Sphingini

Manduca diffissa petuniae, 22 September 2012

Manduca hannibal hamilcar, 21 September 2012

Cocytius beelzebuth, 19 September 2012. Only the second record for REGUA.

Tribe: Acherontiini

Agrius cingulata, 13 September 2012

Tribe: Diloponotini

Male Enyo ocypete, 21 September 2012

Pachylioides resumens, 10 September 2012

Nyceryx coffaeae, 21 September 2012

Pseudosphinx tetrio, male (left) 12 September 2012 & female 21 September 2012

Male Erinnyis alope alope, 22 September 2012

Female Erinnyis alope alope, 22 September 2012

Male Erinnyis ello ello, 11 September 2012

Female Erinnyis ello ello, 21 September 2012

Tribe: Macroglossini

Xylophanes chiron nechus, 9 September 2012

Xylophanes anubus, 22 September 2012

Xylophanes loelia, 16 September 2012

Xylophanes porcus continentalis, 20 September 2012

Alan Martin, principal author of A Guide to the Hawkmoths of the Serra dos Orgaos, South-eastern Brazil, has just launched an excellent new website on hawkmoths to accompany the book and bring it up to date. Check it out at www.brazilhawkmoths.com.