hawk moth; sphinx moth
Refers to any moth of the family Sphingidae, known for their rapid, hovering flight and long proboscis.
A hawk moth was hovering in the garden, sipping nectar from the flowers.
The larva of the hawk moth is a large caterpillar with a horn on its tail.
Katakana spelling is common for this insect name; usually written in kana.
Kanji spelling using 雀 (sparrow) and 蛾 (moth); rarely used.
Alternate kanji spelling; also rare.
The Japanese name スズメガ (雀蛾) literally means 'sparrow moth', likely from the moth's plump, sparrow-like body shape and rapid flight. The exact origin is uncertain.