Diversity of hawkmoths (Sphingidae) in India: A Review

Abstract

Family Sphingidae belonging to Order Lepidoptera whose members are commonly known as Hawk moths or Sphinx moths. There are three subfamilies of this family named as Macroglossinae, Smerinthinae and Sphinginae. Sphinx or hawkmoths are distributed all over the world mostly preferring the tropical areas. There is very less literature available on hawkmoths, so an attempt is made to understand the diversity patterns of hawkmoths throughout the India. The current study is conducted to document the earlier and existing faunal diversity patterns of hawkmoths throughout India. As hawkmoths are economically important insects as these act as beneficial pollinators as well as environmental indicators. So, presence of hawkmoths in environment is essential for maintaining ecological balance. The present review paper comprises brief information on the diversity patterns of hawkmoths throughout India.