Dolba hyloeus

Adults can be distinguished from other gray-brown sphinx moths by the combination of: relatively small size for Sphingidae; forewing pattern with irregular dark markings but lacking strong contrasting bands; small but distinct black discal spot on forewing; and gray hindwings with diffuse darker bands rather than clear eyespots or strong patterning. Similar species include Sphinx drupiferarum (wild cherry sphinx), which has more uniform forewings and different host associations, and Sphinx kalmiae (laurel sphinx), which has more contrasting wing patterns. Larvae are identified by the green ground color with pale diagonal stripes and association with Asimina host plants.

Deciduous forests and woodlands, particularly where pawpaw (Asimina) grows. Also found in forest edges, riparian corridors, and suburban areas with host plant presence. Larval habitat is specifically tied to stands of Asimina triloba (common pawpaw) and related species.

Eastern United States: Maine south to Florida, west to Wisconsin, eastern Oklahoma, and southern Texas. Absent from most of the Great Plains and western states. Northern limit appears to correspond with the range of the primary host plant, Asimina triloba.

Adults fly from late spring through summer, with peak activity June to August in most of the range. Multiple generations per year have been suggested for southern portions of the range, with one to two generations in northern areas. Overwintering occurs as pupae.

Larvae feed on leaves of pawpaw trees, primarily Asimina triloba and other Asimina species. Adults do not feed; they rely on fat reserves accumulated during the larval stage.

• Asimina triloba - larval food plantprimary host
• Asimina - larval food plantgenus-level association

Complete metamorphosis with egg, larva, pupa, and adult stages. Eggs are laid on leaves of host plants. Larvae feed externally on foliage, progressing through five instars. Mature larvae descend to the ground to pupate in soil or leaf litter. Pupae overwinter. Adults emerge in spring and summer.

Adults are nocturnal and strongly attracted to light sources. They are rapid, direct fliers typical of sphinx moths. Adults do not feed and have reduced mouthparts. Larvae are solitary feeders on host plant foliage.

Larval herbivore on Asimina species. May contribute to local nutrient cycling through defoliation of pawpaw, though rarely abundant enough to cause significant plant damage. Serves as prey for birds, parasitoid wasps, and other natural enemies.

Minor economic significance. Occasionally encountered by pawpaw growers but rarely a serious pest. Of interest to lepidopterists and naturalists due to its specialized host association. Adults are frequently recorded at moth light stations.

• Sphinx drupiferarumSimilar gray-brown forewings, but has more uniform wing pattern and different host plants (Prunus species)
• Sphinx kalmiaeSimilar size and build, but has more contrasting dark and light forewing bands
• Ceratomia catalpaeSimilar green larval form with horn, but feeds on Catalpa and has distinct larval striping pattern

The common name 'pawpaw sphinx' is sometimes misapplied to other sphinx moth species found near pawpaw trees. The species is occasionally confused with the more common Ceratomia species, though Dolba is readily distinguished by adult wing pattern and larval host specificity.

• sphinx moth
• hornworm
• pawpaw
• Asimina
• eastern North America
• nocturnal
• monophagous larva

• BugGuide
• GBIF taxonomy match
• iNaturalist taxon
• NCBI Taxonomy
• Catalogue of Life