Subfamily Smerinthinae

Grote and Robinson, 1865

Etymology

Smerinthinae: (S)merinthos is a Greek word meaning a “cord” or “string.”

The suffix inae is standard taxonomic nomenclature to indicate that word pertains to a zoological subfamily.

Pronunciation

Smeer-in-thin-ee

Overview

Smerinthinae is the second largest subfamily of moths within the family Sphingidae. The cosmopolitan subfamily is currently divided into five distinct tribes worldwide. Indiana is home to five species of Smerinthinae.

Unlike Subfamily Macroglossinae, members of Subfamily Smerinthinae have short proboscis, and most do not feed as adults.

Photo Credits

Mimatini courtesy of Mark Blassage. Smerinthini courtesy of Brian Lowry.