Apple Sphinx

Sphinx gordius

June 28, 2002

This sphinx moth was attracted to my light last night and stayed until morning.  When I tried to move it off the light sheet, it flew wildly across the yard.  It was spotted by an Eastern Phoebe who made a lunge at it.  I heard the snap of the bill and thought the moth was a goner, but it quickly out-manuvered the bird and settled low on the nearest tree - a dying yellow birch - and froze.  That's where I photographed it, and then let it be.