Form and Function (Adaptation)

How has this organism adapted to its environment?
As far as adaptation goes, there is not too much information specifically about the Clark's Sphinx. Although, moths tend to follow the same pattern when adapting to specific environments. Climate change is a huge factor of how organisms adapt to their environment. Some can not handle an extreme change in climate, especially the larger organisms because they tend to evolve at a slower pace (Campbell and Reece 2008). If a moth is smaller for example, the moth is able to have multiple generations on its journey. If the moth is larger in size like the Clark's Sphinx, body size protects them from changes in the environment. The Sphinx structure helps it to survive in its habitat due to the shape and size, which is also why this organism lives in surrounding areas for the course of its life.
What is the description of this organism's body?
The form of the moth is very important because this is what makes the Clark's Sphinx capable of movement and also as a means of survival. Not only does this relate to the Clark's Sphinx, but for the generalized group of moths as a whole. A moth has three main body parts that include the head, thorax, and abdomen. Connected to the thorax, are three pairs of jointed legs. Not only do moths have two pairs of wings, but also have a specialized mouth for sipping nectar (Animal Corner 2014). Moths also have something known as compound eyes, which contain many hexagonal lenses. Attached to the head, moths have a pair of anntenae.

What are some feeding adaptations?
As mentioned on the nutrition page, moths have an extremely unique way of feeding. The Proserpinus clarkiae, as mentioned previously, is a members of a family called the Sphingidae. Most of these moths tend to feed the same way. With the specialized mouth part for sipping nectar, the moth hovers in front of the flower and takes the nectar through the proboscis (Butterflies and Moths of North America 2014). This feeding type is extremely familiar to the way a hummingbird would feed.

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