HAWK-MOTH, a name sometimes used to comprise all the lepidopterous insects of the section erepuscularia, the Linnrean ,frenus sphinx. They have a spine or stiff bristle on the anterior edge of each of the hind-wings, and these being received in correspond ing hooks on the miller-side of the forewings, attach them together. Their wings are generally covered with a looser down than those of butterflies. The body is rather large and thick. Notwithstanding the name erepuseularia, signifying that their period of activity is that of twilight, and which is truly characteristic of the greater number. many of them may be seen darting from flower to flower even at mid-day, or hovering over flowers, from which they suck the honey by their long proboscis. They make a loud humming noise with their wings, and are insects of very rapid, and powerful flight. Their caterpillars havi always 16 feet. A pemiliar position which file caterpillars often
• assume has led to the name sphinx, because of a fancied resemblance to the sculptured monster of Egypt. Their chrysalids are cylindrical, free from points and angular prominences, blunt-headed, with a conical abdomen, and are sometimes inclosed in cocoons, sometimes concealed in the earth.—The name hawk-moth is sometimes limited to a division of the crepuscularia, of which the genus sphinx, as now restricted, is the type, and of which the death's head moth (q.v.) is an example. Their caterpillars are smooth and elongated. The name hawk-moth appears to be derived from the hovering motions of these insects, resembling those of hawks looking for prey.—Many hawk moths are natives of Britain; they are more abundant in warmer climates. Sonic of the species have a wide geographical range.