Sphingid
/ˈsfɪn.dʒɪd/noun
A moth of the family Sphingidae, known as hawk moths or sphinx moths.
Did you know?The name comes from Greek *sphinx*, and the family was coined because these moths often rest with a rigid, enigmatic pose that reminded naturalists of the Sphinx.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
sphinx
“The Sphinx, a mythic creature associated with riddles and peril.”
Latin
Latin
sphinx
“A sphinx; later also a carved or depicted sphinx.”
19th Century
New Latin
Sphingidae
“The moth family named for the sphinx-like appearance or posture of its members.”
Modern English
English
sphingid
“Any moth belonging to the family Sphingidae.”