#ashsphinx

This regal looking fellow is Manduca jasminearum, The Ash Sphinx. There is also a Great Ash Sphinx (Sphinx chersis), but personally, I think this guy is better. Anyways, that's why I don't like common names. The end. I'm joking, not about the common names though. Anyways, Manduca jasminearum is found throughout the Northeast, and has recently been making a comeback in New England. The absolutely splendid adult is charcoal gray with black smudges. I really enjoyed taking photos of this cooperative caterpillar, and I'm excited for the (hopefully) equally cooperative adult. Stay tuned! #Manduca #Manducajasminearum #AshSphinx #GreatAshSphinx #That'sOneGreatAshSphinx #Sphingidae #Lepidoptera #SphinxMoth #HawkMoth #Entomology #Caterpillar #Larva #SphinxLarva #MothLarva #igclub_butterfly #igcb_mothmondays #insects_of_our_world https://www.instagram.com/p/B3IM-IggLYm/?igshid=xjnkshgyo2gi

I really wish I spent more time photographing this final instar Manduca jasminearum. These are really cool larvae and aren’t often encountered. There are only a handful of images of this species in books and online. With my Sphingidae website launching next spring, I hope to increase that number! #manduca #manducajasminearum #ashsphinx #moth #entomology #lepidoptery #caterpillar