Manduca occulta

Rothschild & Jordan, 1903

Occult Sphinx

Manduca occulta, the occult sphinx, is a large sphinx in the . have a wingspan of 105–120 mm and are visually similar to Manduca diffissa tropicalis, requiring genital examination for definitive identification. The occurs from Panama through Central America and Mexico to the southern United States, with occasional strays reaching southern Florida. It completes one per year in Rica, with adults active from May to June.

Manduca occulta, male, underside. Mexico, Veracruz, Huatuxco by The Trustees of the Natural History Museum, London. Used under a CC BY 3.0 license.

Manduca occulta BMNHE273600 male up by The Trustees of the Natural History Museum, London. Used under a CC BY 3.0 license.

Manduca occulta BMNHE273601 female un by The Trustees of the Natural History Museum, London. Used under a CC BY 3.0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Manduca occulta: //ˈmæn.djʊ.kə ɒkˈʊl.tə//

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Identification

Distinguished from the very similar Manduca diffissa tropicalis only by examination of genitalia. The brownish-black bands on the hindwing underside are a visible feature that may aid in field recognition, though this trait alone is insufficient for definitive identification.