S. Mahunka szerk.: Folia Entomologica Hungarica 63. (Budapest, 2002)

was collected opportunistically by one of the authors (Hangay) in two different habitats; in the ombrophilous Atlantic Forest near Säo Paulo and in the cerrado (savannah grasslands and meadows) in Goias State. The Sphingidae material contains 26 specimens representing 15 species, the material is preserved mainly in the HNHM, certain specimens are deposited in the collections of Gy. Fábián and J.-M. Cadiou. The material identified using the two corner stones of Sphingidae literature, the books of d'Abrera (1986) and Kitching & Cadiou (2000). CHARACTERISATION OF THE HABITATS The Atlantic Forest (Mata Atlantica) The domain of the Atlantic Forest extends from Cape Sào Roque in Rio de Norte (from the 6th parallel south) to the region of Osorio in Rio Grande do Sul (30th parallel south). This large area has diverse climates at various parts as well as soils and relief of different geological origins, supporting equally diverse flora and fauna. About five hundred years ago a great part of the Atlantic Forest consisted of high and uninterrupted cover with humid, dark and somewhat cooler interior, classified in modern times as dense ombrophilous forest of moist broad-leaved tropical mountain slope forest, formed in mountainous/hilly regions of rainfall over 2000 mm per year. Today, this forest has all but disappeared in a number of states. A small percentage of it survives in Mantiquera and the Coastal Ranges of the states of Sào Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Minas Gérais, Parana and Santa Catarina. Although land use (including clearing) is strongly regulated by law, ever increasing urbanisation and agricultural activities continuously reducing the remaining forests. The study of the Atlantic Forest's biodiversity has never been more urgent than it is today. Collecting in this type of habitat was carried out on Sitio Itatuba, a property near Sào Roque in Sào Paulo State, cca. 52 km west of Sào Paulo.The property spread over 200 hectares of hilly country, partially covered with indigenous rainforest. Approximately 80 hectares are cleared for pasture and other agricultural needs. The highest elevation is appr. 900 m above sea level. The rainforest mainly covers the hilly terrain, especially the slopes and narrow gullies, while the clearings usually occupy gentle slopes or level ground suitable for cattle grazing or crops. The residence and auxiliary buildings are on the highest part of the property and most of the introduced plants, such as ornamental shrubs, eucalypt trees and perennial flowers can be found there.