sphinx moth

American  

noun

1. hawk moth.

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sphinx moth British  

noun

1. another name for the hawk moth

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Etymology

Origin of sphinx moth

First recorded in 1830–40

Example Sentences

“Unless this is a sphinx moth caterpillar who has been stressed and agitated into displaying its osmeterium,” says Jackson.

From National Geographic • Dec. 28, 2017

But I doubt you’ve heard of any World Wildlife Fund campaigns to protect the fabulous green sphinx moth, right?

From New York Times • Oct. 21, 2017

He pointed at a black-and-green caterpillar, which before long would become a sphinx moth.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 12, 2017

Yet the adult, the Carolina sphinx moth, is the plant's preferred pollinator.

From Nature • Feb. 28, 2017

Any time after four o'clock in the afternoon, according to the light, the sphinx moth, a creature of the gloaming, begins its rounds, to be mistaken for a hummingbird seven times out of ten.

From Wild Flowers An Aid to Knowledge of Our Wild Flowers and Their Insect Visitors by Blanchan, Neltje