Hawkmoth
Guides
Aellopos clavipes
Clavipes Sphinx
Aellopos clavipes is a hawkmoth in the family Sphingidae, commonly known as the clavipes sphinx. It occurs from Venezuela through Central America to the southwestern United States. Adults are active year-round in tropical regions with distinct seasonal generations in some areas. Larvae feed exclusively on species in the coffee family (Rubiaceae).
Aellopos tantalus
Tantalus Sphinx
Aellopos tantalus, commonly known as the Tantalus sphinx, is a small hawkmoth in the family Sphingidae. Adults are active year-round in tropical and subtropical regions, feeding on nectar from specific flowering plants. The larvae develop on Rubiaceae host plants and pupate in shallow underground chambers or leaf litter.
Aellopos titan
Titan Sphinx
Aellopos titan, commonly known as the Titan Sphinx, is a moth in the family Sphingidae. The species was first described by Pieter Cramer in 1777. It is a medium-sized hawkmoth with a wingspan of 55–65 mm, found across a broad geographic range from North America through Central America to South America.
Agrius
sweetpotato hornworms, convolvulus hawkmoths
Agrius is a genus of hawkmoths (Sphingidae) containing approximately 3–5 species, most notably Agrius cingulata (sweetpotato hornworm) and Agrius convolvuli (convolvulus hawkmoth). These are large, robust moths with distinctive pinkish abdominal bands. The larvae are economically significant agricultural pests, particularly of sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas) and related Convolvulaceae. Adults are powerful fliers capable of long-distance migration, with some populations undertaking transcontinental movements. The genus occurs across tropical and subtropical regions worldwide, with some species extending into temperate zones during summer months.
Ceratomia
Ceratomia is a genus of hawkmoths (family Sphingidae) erected by Thaddeus William Harris in 1839. The genus contains seven recognized species distributed primarily in North America. Several species are notable for their specialized host plant associations, particularly with Catalpa and Fraxinus (ash). Ceratomia catalpae, the catalpa sphinx, is among the best-studied species due to its chemical sequestration of the iridoid glycoside catalpol from host plants, which provides defense against predators but not against its specialist parasitoid Cotesia congregata. Ceratomia undulosa, the waved sphinx, is an ash specialist whose populations are threatened by emerald ash borer-induced host decline.
Ceratomia amyntor
Elm Sphinx, Four-horned Sphinx
Ceratomia amyntor is a North American hawkmoth with a wingspan of 8.2–11.5 cm. Larvae feed primarily on elm but also use birch, basswood, and cherry. The species is notable for its four head horns—additional to the caudal horn typical of sphingids—giving rise to the common name "four-horned sphinx." Adults are gray-brown with wavy forewing markings and a small white dot characteristic of the genus. The species has one generation in northern regions and up to five broods in the southern United States.
Ceratomia igualana
Ceratomia igualana is a hawkmoth in the family Sphingidae. It is known from a limited number of specimens collected from Mexico to Costa Rica. The species exhibits sexual dimorphism in size, with females notably larger than males. Biological details including larval host plants, adult behavior, and complete life history remain undocumented due to its rarity in collections.
Ceratomia sonorensis
Sonoran sphinx
Ceratomia sonorensis, known as the Sonoran sphinx, is a hawkmoth in the family Sphingidae. The species inhabits high-elevation Madrean woodland in Sonora, Mexico and southeastern Arizona. Adults are active during summer months, with larvae feeding on Fraxinus (ash) species. The species was described by Ronald Hodges in 1971.
Cocytius
Cocytius is a genus of hawkmoths in the family Sphingidae, established by Hübner in 1819. Species in this genus are large-bodied moths with robust flight capabilities. The genus includes Cocytius antaeus, which has been documented from Isla del Coco, Costa Rica.
Cocytius antaeus
giant sphinx
Cocytius antaeus is a large sphinx moth with a wingspan of 126–178 mm, found from Brazil through Central America to the southern United States. The species is notable for its exceptionally long proboscis, which was once thought to be the only insect proboscis long enough to pollinate the ghost orchid in North America. It is very rare in the United States, with records limited to southern California, Texas, and Florida.
Deilephila elpenor
Elephant Hawk-moth, Large Elephant Hawk-moth
A medium-sized hawkmoth distinguished by olive-brown forewings with pink markings and pink hindwings with black bases. The caterpillar has a distinctive trunk-like appearance with large eyespots used for predator deterrence. Notable as the first animal documented with nocturnal colour vision, which supports its specialized hovering flight while feeding on nectar at night.
Dolbogene
Hartweg's sphinx (species-level)
Dolbogene is a monotypic genus of hawkmoths in the family Sphingidae, erected by Walter Rothschild and Karl Jordan in 1903. Its sole species, Dolbogene hartwegii (Hartweg's sphinx), was described by Arthur Gardiner Butler in 1875. The genus is distributed from the southwestern United States through Mexico to Guatemala. Biological knowledge remains limited due to the small number of specimens collected.
Dolbogene hartwegii
Hartweg's Sphinx
Dolbogene hartwegii is a rare sphinx moth (Sphingidae) found from the southwestern United States through Mexico to Guatemala. The species was originally described as Dolba hartwegii in 1875. Few specimens have been collected, and its biology remains poorly documented.
Erinnyis
Erinnyis is a genus of sphinx moths (Sphingidae) established by Jacob Hübner in 1819, containing approximately 11 species distributed across the Americas. Several species, notably E. ello and E. alope, are significant agricultural pests whose larvae feed on economically important plants including cassava, rubber, and papaya. The genus is characterized by medium to large hawkmoths with robust bodies and relatively narrow forewings. Eggs of E. ello are known to be parasitized by multiple Trichogramma wasp species.
Eumorpha
sphinx moths, hawk moths
Eumorpha is a New World genus of sphinx moths (Sphingidae) comprising 26 described species distributed primarily across North, Central, and South America. The genus is characterized by variable larval eyespots—circular markings on the posterior body segments that function in predator deterrence. Molecular phylogenetic studies indicate Eumorpha originated in Central and South America and subsequently expanded into North America. Adults are medium to large hawkmoths with rapid, agile flight; many species are crepuscular or nocturnal flower visitors. Larvae are hornworms that feed primarily on members of the grape family (Vitaceae), though host plant associations vary among species.
Eumorpha typhon
Typhon Sphinx, Typhon Sphinx Moth
Eumorpha typhon, commonly known as the Typhon Sphinx, is a moth in the family Sphingidae. It ranges from Honduras through Mexico to southern Arizona. Adults are active from June to August in the northern part of the range and feed on nectar. Larvae develop on grape species and pupate in shallow soil.
Hemaris aethra
Diervilla Clearwing
A day-flying hawkmoth native to northern North America. Adults are bumblebee mimics with clear wings and fuzzy bodies, hovering at flowers to feed on nectar. Elevated to species status in 2018 after long being considered a subspecies of H. diffinis; the two species remain extremely difficult to distinguish visually where they co-occur.
Hemaris thysbe
Hummingbird Clearwing, Hummingbird Clearwing Moth, Hummingbird Sphinx Moth, Common Clearwing
Hemaris thysbe is a diurnal hawkmoth known for its hummingbird-like flight and transparent wings. Adults hover at flowers to feed on nectar using an exceptionally long proboscis. The species exhibits significant color variation across its range, with northern and western populations typically showing smooth wing borders and lighter coloration, while southern and eastern populations tend toward darker colors with jagged wing borders. It is a migratory species with one generation per year in northern regions and two in the south.
Hyles euphorbiae
spurge hawk-moth, Leafy Spurge Hawkmoth
Hyles euphorbiae, the spurge hawk-moth, is a European hawkmoth in the family Sphingidae. First described by Linnaeus in 1758, this species is notable for its use in biological pest control against leafy spurge (Euphorbia esula). The species comprises a complex with multiple ecotypes showing variation in cold tolerance and larval pattern morphology across its range. Adults are strong fliers with distinctive wing patterns, while larvae feed on spurge plants and display conspicuous black, white, and red coloration.
Hyles gallii
Bedstraw Hawkmoth, Galium Sphinx
Hyles gallii is a sphinx moth (Sphingidae) commonly known as the Bedstraw Hawkmoth or Galium Sphinx. It is a medium-sized hawkmoth with a wingspan typically ranging 50-70 mm. The species is widely distributed across the Northern Hemisphere, including North America and Eurasia. Adults are known for their rapid, hovering flight and are primarily crepuscular or nocturnal, though they may be active during daylight hours. The larvae feed primarily on plants in the genus Galium (bedstraws), giving the species its common name.
Lintneria
Lintneria is a genus of sphinx moths (Sphingidae) established by Butler in 1876. Species in this genus are medium to large-sized hawkmoths found primarily in the Americas. The genus was historically merged with Sphinx but was reinstated as distinct based on morphological and molecular evidence. Lintneria species are characterized by specific wing venation patterns and genitalic structures that separate them from closely related genera.
Lintneria eremitoides
Sage Sphinx
Lintneria eremitoides, known as the sage sphinx, is a hawkmoth in the family Sphingidae. It inhabits sandy prairie habitats in the Great Plains of North America. The species has two generations annually and is strongly associated with Salvia host plants. Adults are active in spring and late summer, feeding on nectar from deep-throated flowers.
Lintneria eremitus
Hermit Sphinx
Lintneria eremitus, commonly known as the hermit sphinx, is a medium-sized hawkmoth native to temperate eastern North America. The species has a single annual generation with adults active from late June through August. It is frequently found in gardens and suburban yards where both nectar sources and larval host plants occur. Adults are crepuscular, flying at dusk and visiting deep-throated flowers. The species is readily attracted to artificial light sources.
Macroglossum
Hummingbird Hawkmoths
Macroglossum is a genus of hawkmoths (Sphingidae) known for their rapid, hovering flight and diurnal or crepuscular activity patterns. The genus contains approximately 100 species distributed across the Old World, with the most extensively studied species being Macroglossum stellatarum, the Hummingbird Hawkmoth. Members possess elongated proboscises adapted for nectar feeding from tubular flowers. Several species exhibit migratory behavior, with individuals capable of long-distance movements across continental Europe and into Africa. The genus serves as an important pollinator group, with some species showing specialized coevolutionary relationships with particular plant species.
Macroglossum stellatarum
Hummingbird Hawk-moth, Hummingbird Hawkmoth, Eurasian Hummingbird Hawkmoth
Macroglossum stellatarum is a diurnal hawkmoth renowned for its hovering flight and long-distance migratory behavior. Adults feed on nectar from diverse flowers using an exceptionally long proboscis, and are significant pollinators across their range. The species exhibits complex visual learning capabilities and innate color preferences that guide foraging decisions. Populations in southern Europe may be resident and multivoltine, while northern populations depend on annual immigration from the south.
Madoryx pseudothyreus
False-windowed Sphinx
Madoryx pseudothyreus, the false-windowed sphinx, is a hawkmoth in the family Sphingidae. The species was described by Augustus Radcliffe Grote in 1865. It occurs in southern Florida, Cuba, and surrounding Caribbean islands. The common name refers to its resemblance to the windowed sphinx (Madoryx oiclus), from which it can be distinguished by subtle wing pattern differences.
Manduca
hornworms, hawkmoths, sphinx moths
Manduca is a genus of hawkmoths (Sphingidae) established by Jacob Hübner in 1807. The genus contains approximately 70 species distributed primarily in the Americas. Several species, notably Manduca sexta (tobacco hornworm) and M. quinquemaculata (tomato hornworm), are extensively studied as model organisms in biological research due to their large size and ease of laboratory rearing. The larvae, commonly called hornworms, are significant agricultural pests of solanaceous crops.
Manduca florestan
Florestan sphinx
Manduca florestan, commonly known as the Florestan sphinx, is a large hawkmoth in the family Sphingidae. Adults are notable for their robust build and are attracted to mercury-vapor and ultraviolet light sources in oak-juniper woodland habitats. The species exhibits considerable geographic variation in flight period timing, with year-round activity in tropical regions and more restricted seasonal emergence in temperate areas.
Manduca rustica
Rustic Sphinx
Manduca rustica, the rustic sphinx, is a large hawkmoth (Sphingidae) first described by Johan Christian Fabricius in 1775. The species is notable for its broad geographic distribution across the Americas, ranging from the southern United States through Central and South America to Uruguay. It exhibits considerable ecological flexibility, inhabiting diverse environments from rainforests to deserts, and has been documented using host plants from at least five plant families. Adults are nocturnal and attracted to light sources.
Neococytius
Cluentius sphinx
Neococytius is a monotypic moth genus in the family Sphingidae, containing only the species Neococytius cluentius, commonly known as the Cluentius sphinx. This large sphinx moth has an exceptionally long proboscis, historically measured at approximately 25 cm, which has been discussed in relation to pollination of night-blooming cacti. The genus was erected by Ronald W. Hodges in 1971, with the sole species originally described by Pieter Cramer in 1775.
Neococytius cluentius
Cluentius sphinx
Neococytius cluentius, commonly known as the Cluentius sphinx, is a large hawkmoth in the family Sphingidae. It is the sole species in its genus. The species has a broad distribution across the Neotropics, extending northward into the southern United States. Adults are powerful fliers and are attracted to light.
Pachylia ficus
fig sphinx
Pachylia ficus, commonly known as the fig sphinx, is a moth in the family Sphingidae. It occurs from Uruguay through Central America to the southern United States, with occasional strays into Arizona and Texas. Adults feed on nectar and are documented pollinators of the endangered ghost orchid (Dendrophylax lindenii). Larvae feed on multiple Ficus species and related plants in the Moraceae family.
Pachysphinx modesta
Modest Sphinx, Poplar Sphinx
A large sphinx moth in the family Sphingidae, found across much of North America from the southern United States through Canada. Adults fly primarily in early to mid-summer, with single generations in northern parts of the range and potentially two generations further south. Larvae feed on poplar, willow, and cottonwood species.
Perigonia
Perigonia is a genus of hawkmoths in the family Sphingidae, first described by Herrich-Schäffer in 1854. The genus contains approximately 15 described species distributed primarily in the Neotropical region. Species within this genus are characterized by their relatively small size compared to other sphingids and distinctive wing patterns. The genus is placed in the tribe Dilophonotini within the subfamily Macroglossinae.
Proserpinus
day sphinxes, evening primrose hawkmoths
Proserpinus is a genus of seven hawkmoth species in the family Sphingidae. Most species are native to North America, with P. proserpina having a much broader distribution extending from Europe and Asia to Africa. Adults are generally diurnal and exhibit green forewings with orange or red hindwings, though P. flavofasciata displays black and yellow coloration. Larvae specialize on plants in the evening primrose family (Onagraceae), with P. terlooii feeding on Nyctaginaceae instead.
Proserpinus juanita
Juanita sphinx
Proserpinus juanita, the Juanita sphinx, is a hawkmoth in the family Sphingidae first described by Herman Strecker in 1877. It is a medium-sized moth with a wingspan of 45–64 mm, distributed across the Great Plains and southwestern United States. The species is notable for its specialized larval diet on evening primroses and related plants in the family Onagraceae.
Protambulyx carteri
Carter's sphinx, Carter's Streaked Sphinx
Protambulyx carteri is a species of sphinx moth (Sphingidae) first described by Rothschild and Jordan in 1903. It is commonly known as Carter's sphinx or Carter's Streaked Sphinx. The species is known from the US state of Florida. As a member of the genus Protambulyx, it belongs to a group of hawkmoths characterized by their streamlined bodies and powerful flight capabilities. Published records indicate it is a rarely encountered species with limited observational data available.
Smerinthinae
Eyed hawkmoths
Smerinthinae is a subfamily of hawkmoths (Sphingidae) characterized by adults with reduced, non-functional mouthparts. Adults do not feed and rely entirely on larval energy reserves. The subfamily includes three tribes: Ambulycini, Smerinthini, and Sphingulini. Many species display prominent eyespot patterns on the hindwings used in defensive displays.
Smerinthus
Eyed Hawkmoths
Smerinthus is a Holarctic genus of hawkmoths in the family Sphingidae, containing approximately 12 recognized species. Adults are characterized by prominent eyespots on the hindwings and forewing patterns that resemble dried leaves. Adults possess reduced or absent mouthparts and do not feed. Larvae feed on a variety of host plants in the families Salicaceae and possibly others.
Smerinthus cerisyi
One-eyed Sphinx, Cerisy's Sphinx
Smerinthus cerisyi is a sphinx moth in the family Sphingidae, recognized by the single prominent eyespot on each hindwing. The species is univoltine, with adults active throughout summer. Adults do not feed. Larvae feed on willow, poplar, pear, plum, and snowberry. The species was first described by William Kirby in 1837 and named in honor of Alexandre Louis Lefèbvre de Cérisy.
Sphingidae
sphinx moths, hawk moths, hornworms, hummingbird moths
The Sphingidae are a family of moths comprising approximately 1,450 species, best represented in tropical regions but occurring worldwide. Members are moderate to large in size with exceptional flight capabilities, including sustained hovering and rapid, agile maneuvering that rivals hummingbirds. Their streamlined bodies and narrow wings represent convergent evolution with nectar-feeding birds and bats. The family includes economically significant species: some adults are important pollinators with extremely long proboscises, while larval hornworms are major agricultural pests on solanaceous crops.
Sphinx asellus
Asellus Sphinx, asellus sphinx moth
Sphinx asellus is a sphinx moth in the family Sphingidae, first described by Rothschild and Jordan in 1903. It inhabits arid woodlands of the southwestern United States, where adults fly during late spring and early summer. The species has a single annual generation and larvae feed on manzanita species.
Sphinx chersis
Great Ash Sphinx, Northern Ash Sphinx
Sphinx chersis is a large sphinx moth commonly known as the great ash sphinx or northern ash sphinx. Adults are active from May to August in southern regions and June to July in northern areas. The species is an ash specialist whose larvae feed on plants in the olive family (Oleaceae), particularly ash (Fraxinus), lilac (Syringa), and privet (Ligustrum). Research indicates that while larvae can develop on some non-native host plants, survival and development rates vary significantly compared to native ash.
Sphinx drupiferarum
wild cherry sphinx
Sphinx drupiferarum, the wild cherry sphinx, is a moth in the family Sphingidae. The species was first described by James Edward Smith in 1797. It is found across temperate North America from the United States to southern Canada. The wingspan ranges from 75–115 mm. The larvae feed on several woody plant genera including Prunus, Malus, and Celtis.
Sphinx franckii
Franck's Sphinx, Franck's Sphinx Moth
Sphinx franckii is a large sphinx moth native to eastern North America, first described by Berthold Neumoegen in 1893. Adults have a wingspan of 100–128 mm and are active primarily at dusk and early morning. The species shows strong fidelity to ash trees as native larval hosts but has adapted to use ornamental lilac in suburban settings. Northern populations have a single generation annually, while southern populations may produce a partial second generation.
Sphinx kalmiae
laurel sphinx
Sphinx kalmiae, commonly known as the laurel sphinx, is a hawkmoth in the family Sphingidae. The species was named by James Edward Smith after Kalmia, the plant on which its caterpillar was first observed. It is an ash-specialist moth whose larvae feed on several host plants including ash, lilac, and mountain laurel. The species faces conservation concerns due to the decline of ash trees from emerald ash borer invasion.
Sphinx libocedrus
Incense Cedar Sphinx
Sphinx libocedrus, the incense cedar sphinx, is a hawkmoth in the family Sphingidae first described by Henry Edwards in 1881. The species occurs from western Texas through New Mexico and Arizona to southern California, extending south into Mexico including Sonora and Baja California Sur. Larvae feed on specific host plants in the olive family (Oleaceae), including New Mexican forestiera, Forestiera angustifolia, and Goodding's ash.
Sphinx luscitiosa
Clemens' Sphinx, Clemens' hawkmoth
Sphinx luscitiosa, commonly known as Clemens' Sphinx or Clemens' hawkmoth, is a North American sphinx moth in the family Sphingidae. It was first described by James Brackenridge Clemens in 1859. The species has a single generation per year, with adults active in early summer. Larvae feed on a variety of woody plants including willow, poplar, apple, ash, bayberry, and birch.
Sphinx oslari
Sphinx oslari is a species of sphinx moth in the family Sphingidae. It is one of numerous species in the genus Sphinx, which includes several North American hawkmoths. The species is poorly documented in available literature, with limited information on its biology, distribution, and ecology. Like other sphinx moths, adults likely have strong flight capabilities and are nocturnal or crepuscular in activity.
Sphinx perelegans
elegant sphinx
Sphinx perelegans, the elegant sphinx, is a large hawkmoth species native to western North America. Adults are active from April to September and are nocturnal, attracted to light. The larvae feed on a variety of woody plants including Arctostaphylos, Prunus, and Symphoricarpos species.