Sphinginae

noun

The Sphinginae are members of the Family Sphingidae. Widely distributed, these medium to very large-sized moths have a well-developed proboscis and robust bodies. In some species, the proboscis is 15 cm or more in length. Some adults are active at night, while others feed at dawn, dusk, or during the day. Larvae feed day and night on woody and herbaceous plants; some are serious pests of agricultural crops. Most species pupate in the soil, though some form loose cocoons in the leaf layer.