I like Sphinx Moths, too, but there's something about the Tobacco Hornworm's mouth that makes it look like it wants to suck my blood.
I've raised Tersa Sphinx moths mostly, and I had a Pluto Sphinx cat once that died on me. I raised a Catalpa Sphinx Moth in WV. That was fun. Oh, and I saw an Abbott's Sphinx Moth at Grandma's in WV. They're super freaky and look like they should be a Halloween decoration.
Here's the Abbott's Sphinx Moth from April 2011 (many cameras ago):
Speaking of WV, I know I just got back, but I'm going again next month! You see, two years ago I attended the Eastern Kentucky Genealogy Conference. Dad and I went up to KY, then over to visit Grandma. It was kind of fun to be there in the fall because I never had before so everything looked different. Plants were different, butterflies were different. Ragweed was insane! I thought I was going to OD on Zyrtec and Allegra. We didn't go to the conference last year, but I really wanted to go this year. This time, we're going to go to WV first for about a week, then KY. Then, I have to come home, and three days later leave for Silver Springs to attend the Florida Wildflower Symposium! But that's only two hours away and Mom can drive.
Oh yes, Golden Dewdrop. Duranta. I always get Datura and Duranta mixed up in my head. I used to grow both but I got rid of the Datura. The Zebra Longwings really like the Duranta. So do the other butterflies, and the hummingbirds, but the Zebra Longwings REALLY seem to like it. And I like keeping them happy. I have mine planted at the base of an oak that doesn't leaf out as well as the others. I figured the Duranta would make it look more full. Dad had to rope the Duranta to the tree because it wasn't getting the message to grow up and not out, but it seems to be getting with the program. USF has one that grows on a trellis near the plant shop and that's kind of why I bought mine.
