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Agrius godarti

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(Redirected from Sphinx distincta)

Agrius godarti
Agrius godarti
Agrius godarti ♂ △
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Lepidoptera
Family: Sphingidae
Genus: Agrius
Species:
A. godarti
Binomial name
Agrius godarti
Synonyms
  • Sphinx godarti W.S. Macleay, 1826
  • Sphinx distincta Lucas, 1891

Agrius godarti is a moth in the family Sphingidae which is found inland in the northern half of Australia, including Queensland and New South Wales.[2]

They have a wingspan of about 80 mm. It is similar to Agrius convolvuli, but there is slight sexual dimorphism (the forewing of the female is paler than that of the male), the lateral abdominal spots are buff (not pink) and the hindwing upperside pale bands are buff (not grey). The median band is single and narrow.

Taxonomy and naming

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The species was first described by the entomologist Jean Baptiste Boisduval in 1832. It is named in honor of Jean-Baptiste Godart, a notable French entomologist known for his extensive work on butterflies and moths.

Agrius godarti exhibits the typical robust and streamlined body structure characteristic of hawk moths. The wingspan ranges from 80 to 120 mm,[3] and the moths are known for their rapid and powerful flight. The forewings are generally gray or brown with complex patterns that provide camouflage against tree bark and other natural backgrounds. The hindwings are typically more colorful, featuring shades of pink, orange, or red, which can startle predators when flashed.

Distribution and habitat

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This species is found in a range of habitats across its distribution area, including Southeast Asia, Japan, and parts of Australia. Agrius godarti favors environments such as tropical and subtropical forests, as well as cultivated areas where host plants are available.

References

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  1. ^ "CATE Creating a Taxonomic eScience - Sphingidae". Cate-sphingidae.org. Archived from the original on 2012-11-14. Retrieved 2011-11-01.Public Domain This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain.
  2. ^ "Australian Insects". Lepidoptera.butterflyhouse.com.au. 2010-09-16. Retrieved 2011-11-01.
  3. ^ "Agrius godarti [(Macleay, W.S., 1826) ]". sphingidae.myspecies.info. Retrieved 2024-07-29.