Paratrea plebeja

Distinguished from similar gray-brown sphingids by the combination of dull orange-brown hindwings (not bright pink or yellow) and the specific forewing pattern with a prominent discal spot. Smaller than most common Hyles and Manduca species. The larva is green with pale diagonal stripes and a posterior horn, resembling other sphingid caterpillars but found specifically on trumpet vine.

Adults have a wingspan of approximately 45–55 mm. Forewings are gray-brown with darker brown markings, including a distinct discal spot and wavy transverse lines. Hindwings are dull orange-brown with a darker marginal band. The body is robust and streamlined, typical of sphingid moths, with a furry thorax. The abdomen tapers to a point. Antennae are thickened toward the tips but not strongly clubbed.

Open woodlands, forest edges, riparian corridors, and suburban areas where trumpet vine (Campsis radicans) grows. Often found near streams, roadsides, and fences where the host vine climbs. Adults frequent gardens and areas with abundant nectar sources.

Eastern United States from the Atlantic coast westward through the Great Plains. Documented from Nebraska, Kansas, Oklahoma, and eastern Texas northward to southern Canada. Absent from most of the western United States.

Adults fly from late May through August, with peak activity in June and July. Multiple generations occur per year in the southern part of the range; fewer in the north.

Larvae feed exclusively on trumpet vine (Campsis radicans). Adults have been observed nectaring at various flowers including honeysuckle (Lonicera), phlox, and petunia.

• Campsis radicans - larval hostPrimary and likely obligate host plant

Complete metamorphosis with egg, larva, pupa, and adult stages. Larvae pupate in soil or leaf litter. Overwintering stage is the pupa.

Adults are strong, fast fliers active at dusk and night. They hover while feeding at flowers, with a rapid wingbeat. Attracted to artificial light. Larvae feed exposed on host plant foliage.

Adults serve as pollinators for nocturnal and crepuscular flowering plants. Larvae act as specialist herbivores, potentially regulating trumpet vine populations. Serves as prey for bats, birds, and other insectivores.

Occasionally considered a minor pest when larvae defoliate ornamental trumpet vines. Adults are attracted to outdoor lighting. Of interest to lepidopterists and naturalists due to its specialized host association and status as the only member of its genus.

• Hyles lineataSimilar size and flight period, but has pink hindwings and more variable forewing pattern; larvae feed on diverse plants including evening primrose
• Sphecodina abbottiiSimilar gray-brown forewings, but hindwings are yellow-orange with a more contrasting pattern; associated with grape and Virginia creeper
• Darapsa myronSmaller species with more uniform gray-brown coloration and less distinct forewing markings; larvae feed on grape and ampelopsis

• sphingid
• hawk moth
• specialist herbivore
• trumpet vine
• nocturnal
• crepuscular
• North America

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