family Sphingidae

1 8.1

A group of moths called hawk moths that fly fast and hover to feed on nectar

noun

Specialized

: familia Sphingidae

Many members of the family Sphingidae are known for their ability to hover while feeding on nectar.

Examples

The family Sphingidae includes more than 1,400 species of hawkmoths worldwide.
The family Sphingidae includes some of the largest moths in the world.
Entomologists study the family Sphingidae to better understand moth pollination behaviors.
Many species from the family Sphingidae are known for their impressive flying skills.
Entomologists study the family Sphingidae to better understand moth pollination behaviors.
Many members of the family Sphingidae are known for their ability to hover while feeding on nectar.
The family Sphingidae includes over 1,400 species of hawkmoths found around the globe.

Synonyms

Sphingidae

vsfamily Sphingidae

Specialized

1 9.9

A group of moths called hawkmoths with thick bodies that fly fast and hover

focuses on swift flight and the ability to hover rather than sustained speed

Surface Forms

family Sphingidae singular

families Sphingidae plural

Morphology

family + Sphingidae

The phrase denotes the taxonomic group named Sphingidae and is directly composed from 'family' (a scientific grouping) plus the taxon name 'Sphingidae', so the meaning is predictable from the parts. This noun-phrase pattern (family + taxon name) is common in scientific language and cross-linguistically transparent, so a B1 learner who knows both constituents would understand it.

Etymology

Family Sphingidae gets its name from the word 'sphinx' because the caterpillars often raise their front body in a pose that looks like a small sphinx, a strong picture that stuck in people's minds. So, 'family Sphingidae' means the group of moths called 'hawkmoths', known for their fast flight and ability to hover.