The Sphingidae of Singapore
A brief field note by Lieutenant H. J. Kelsall, R.A., describing the hawk moths (Sphingidae) observed in the vicinity of Singapore, with notes on their habits, preferred flowers, and a list of recorded species.
Summary
Kelsall writes in an informal, personal tone, recommending entomology as a suitable outdoor hobby for those stationed in the Colony. He describes the general morphology and behaviour of Sphingidae—crepuscular habits, swift humming flight, hovering at flowers to feed on nectar with their long proboscis, and sensitivity to weather and moonlight. He notes that several species produce a squeaking sound, that they are susceptible to internal fungal attack, and that specimens taken in Singapore tend to be larger than those described in Moore’s Lepidoptera of Ceylon (p. 327).
The paper concludes with a species list organised by sub-family (Sphingidae, Acherontinae, Smerinthinae, Chærocampinae, and Macroglossinae), followed by brief remarks on the commonest species, including Sphinx convolvuli, Diludia discistriga, Acherontia medusa, Chærocampa nessus, Pergesa acteus, and Hemaris hylas, the latter noted for its transparent wings and its larvae’s damage to coffee plantations (pp. 327–329).