Paonias myops

Pigment ink photographic print on matte archival quality paper
Unmounted  
Print: 10 x 15in. / 25.4cm x 38.01cm
Paper: 13 x 19in. / 33.02cm x 48.26cm

Artist's Insight
Common name: Small-eyed Sphinx, Latin Species name: Paonias myops

Collected in Ottawa, Ontario on July 12, 2004

The Small-Eyed Sphinx (Paonias myops) is a member of the fast-flying sphinx moth (or hawk moth) family. There are an estimated 1,450 species of sphinx moth worldwide. 

The Small-Eyed Sphinx is just one of several sphinx species with large eyespots on the hind wing which are hidden from sight when the moth is resting. When disturbed by a predator (typically, a bird), the moth flashes these bold and colourful markings to startling effect, giving the moth a brief moment to elude being eaten.

This moth has a wingspread of 59 mm.