Sphingidae
Guides
Aellopos
Aellopos is a genus of large day-flying moths in the family Sphingidae (sphinx moths), first described by Jacob Hübner in 1819. The genus contains six recognized species distributed from the eastern United States through Central America to South America. These moths are notable for their diurnal activity pattern, which is uncommon among sphingids. The genus belongs to the tribe Dilophonotini within the subfamily Macroglossinae.
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.
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.
Callionima parce
Parce sphinx moth
Callionima parce is a sphinx moth (Sphingidae) with a broad Neotropical distribution extending from South America through Central America into the southern United States. The species exhibits year-round flight activity in tropical regions and seasonal activity from April to September in the United States. Larvae feed on Apocynaceae, specifically documented on Stemmadenia obovata.
Cautethia grotei
Grote's sphinx
Cautethia grotei, or Grote's sphinx, is a small moth in the family Sphingidae described by Henry Edwards in 1882. It occurs in Florida and throughout the Caribbean islands, with multiple generations per year in Florida. Adults are known to nectar at flowers including Asystasia gangetica and Dracaena fragrans. Larvae feed on various Rubiaceae species.
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 catalpae
Catalpa Sphinx, Catawba worm
Ceratomia catalpae, the catalpa sphinx, is a hawk moth in the family Sphingidae native to southeastern North America. The species is notable for its close association with catalpa trees (Catalpa spp.), which serve as the exclusive host plants for its larvae. The caterpillars, known as "catawba worms," are highly valued as fishing bait and sequester defensive iridoid glycosides from their host plants. Adults are dull brown with distinctive wing markings and a wingspan of 65–95 mm. The species has been extensively studied for its chemical ecology, particularly the sequestration of catalpol and its interactions with the parasitoid wasp Cotesia congregata.
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.
Darapsa choerilus
Azalea Sphinx
Darapsa choerilus, commonly known as the azalea sphinx, is a sphinx moth in the family Sphingidae. It occurs in eastern North America from the United States through southern Canada. The species was first described by Pieter Cramer in 1779. Adults are medium-sized moths with a wingspan of 57–75 mm. Larvae feed on azalea (Rhododendron) and Viburnum species.
Darapsa myron
Virginia creeper sphinx, Green Grapevine Sphinx
Darapsa myron is a sphinx moth native to central and eastern North America. Adults have a wingspan of 2–3 inches, with green-brown striped forewings and orange hindwings. Larvae, known as hornworms, feed on Virginia creeper and grape family plants. The species produces multiple broods annually, with larvae capable of maturing in as few as three weeks. Adults are nocturnal, visiting lights and sugar baits, and are most active from sunset to midnight.
Darapsa versicolor
Hydrangea Sphinx
Darapsa versicolor is a sphinx moth (Sphingidae) native to eastern North America. Adults have a wingspan of 58–80 mm with green-brown forewings marked by curved white patches. The species is strongly associated with wetland habitats. Larvae feed on specific host plants including wild hydrangea, buttonbush, and water-willow.
Deidamia inscriptum
Lettered Sphinx
Deidamia inscriptum, commonly known as the Lettered Sphinx, is a moth species in the family Sphingidae. It is the sole member of its genus. The species was first described by Thaddeus William Harris in 1839, with the genus erected by James Brackenridge Clemens in 1859. It is distributed across eastern North America.
Dilophonotini
Dilophonotini is a tribe of hawk moths (family Sphingidae) containing approximately 25 genera divided into two subtribes: Dilophonotina and Hemarina. The tribe includes both day-flying and crepuscular species, with Hemaris (clearwing moths) being particularly notable for their transparent wings and bee-mimicry. Members range from small to medium-sized sphingids with diverse wing patterns and body forms adapted to varied ecological niches.
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.
Elope sphinx
Alope sphinx
Erinnyis alope is a sphinx moth (Sphingidae) distributed across the Neotropics from northern South America through Central America to northern Mexico and the southern United States. The species has been recorded as a stray as far north as Arkansas and Kansas. Two subspecies are recognized: the nominate E. a. alope and E. a. dispersa endemic to the Galápagos Islands. The species is considered an agricultural pest, with larvae feeding principally on pawpaw (Carica papaya), and also recorded on rubber (Hevea brasiliensis) and cassava (Manihot esculenta).
Enyo lugubris
Mournful Sphinx
Enyo lugubris, commonly known as the mournful sphinx, is a sphingid moth with a broad Neotropical and Nearctic distribution. Adults are medium-sized with a wingspan of 50–60 mm and are active year-round in tropical regions, with seasonal activity further north. The species exhibits two subspecies: the nominate form across most of its range, and E. l. delanoi restricted to the Galápagos Islands. Larval development occurs on various Vitaceae species.
Enyo ocypete
Swift-winged Sphinx
Enyo ocypete is a moth in the family Sphingidae, first described by Carl Linnaeus in 1758. It ranges from the southern United States through Central America to northern Argentina. Adults have a wingspan of approximately 60 mm. The species exhibits year-round activity in tropical regions and southern Florida, with more restricted flight periods farther north.
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.
Erinnyis crameri
Cramer's sphinx
Erinnyis crameri, commonly known as Cramer's sphinx, is a small moth in the family Sphingidae. First described by William Schaus in 1898, this species occurs across a broad geographic range spanning northern South America, Central America, and the southern United States. It belongs to the genus Erinnyis, which contains several sphinx moth species with similar distributions. The species is relatively well-documented through observation records, with over 460 observations on iNaturalist.
Erinnyis ello
ello sphinx
Erinnyis ello, the ello sphinx, is a sphingid moth distributed from Argentina through Central America to the United States. The species was first described by Carl Linnaeus in 1758. It is a significant agricultural pest, particularly of cassava, and has been extensively studied for its parasitoid relationships. Two subspecies are recognized: E. e. ello throughout the Americas and E. e. encantada endemic to the Galápagos Islands.
Eumorpha intermedia
Intermediate Sphinx
Eumorpha intermedia is a sphinx moth (Sphingidae) described by Benjamin Preston Clark in 1917. It is found in the southeastern United States, with adults active from spring through fall. The species is most readily distinguished from close relatives by wing coloration and pattern, particularly the pink-tinged forewing underside. Larvae feed on woody vines in the grape family.
Eumorpha labruscae
Gaudy Sphinx
Eumorpha labruscae, commonly known as the gaudy sphinx, is a large sphinx moth (family Sphingidae) first described by Carl Linnaeus in 1758. Adults display striking coloration with deep green forewings and purple-blue hindwing patches with yellow borders. The species occurs in North America with a subspecies (E. l. yupanquii) endemic to the Galápagos Islands. Larvae feed on grape family plants and pupate underground.
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.
Gnamptopelta
Gnamptopelta is a monotypic genus of ichneumonid wasps containing the single species G. obsidianator. The genus is distinguished by a uniquely concave clypeus, reflected in its etymology from Greek roots meaning 'bent shield.' These are large, predominantly black wasps found across eastern North America, where they function as specialist parasitoids of sphinx moth caterpillars feeding on grapevines.
Hemaris thetis
Rocky Mountain Clearwing, California Clearwing
Hemaris thetis is a day-flying sphinx moth in the family Sphingidae, commonly known as the Rocky Mountain clearwing or California clearwing. The species exhibits clearwing morphology with reduced wing scaling, resembling a bumblebee in flight. Adults are active from May to August and feed on nectar from various flowers. The species was first described by Jean Baptiste Boisduval in 1855 and occurs in mountainous regions of western North America.
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.
Isognathus rimosa
Rimosus Sphinx
Isognathus rimosa, commonly known as the Rimosus Sphinx, is a hawk moth (Sphingidae) first described by Augustus Radcliffe Grote in 1865. The species occurs across tropical and subtropical regions from northern Brazil through Central America, the West Indies, and Mexico to southern Arizona. Adults have a wingspan of 70–102 mm and feed on flower nectar, including petunias. Larvae specialize on Plumeria species.
Isoparce
Isoparce is a genus of sphinx moths (family Sphingidae) established by Walter Rothschild and Karl Jordan in 1903. The genus contains two recognized species: Isoparce cupressi, described from North America in 1875, and Isoparce broui, described from Southeast Asia in 2001. Both species are associated with coniferous host plants.
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 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.
Macroglossinae
Macroglossine Sphinx Moths
Macroglossinae is a subfamily of sphinx moths (Sphingidae) comprising three tribes: Dilophonotini, Macroglossini, and Philampelini. Members of this subfamily are characterized by their streamlined bodies and often exhibit specialized feeding behaviors. The subfamily includes diverse species with varying geographic distributions, from the Western Palaearctic to the Neotropics. Some species have been subjects of detailed phylogeographic and taxonomic study due to complex species boundaries and morphological variability.
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.
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 brontes
Manduca brontes is a sphinx moth (Sphingidae) first described by Dru Drury in 1773. The species occurs in the Caribbean region and northern South America. Adults are known to be active from April to June in Florida. Larvae feed on several host plant species including Tecoma and Fraxinus.
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.
Pachylioides resumens
Lesser Ficus Sphinx
Pachylioides resumens is a sphingid moth distributed across the Neotropics from Argentina north through Central America and the Caribbean, with occasional strays reaching the southern United States. The species is commonly known as the Lesser Ficus Sphinx, reflecting its association with Ficus host plants. It belongs to the tribe Dilophonotini within the subfamily Macroglossinae. The species was originally described by Francis Walker in 1856 under the basionym Pachylia resumens.
Pachysphinx
Pachysphinx is a genus of sphinx moths (Sphingidae) established by Rothschild and Jordan in 1903. The genus comprises three recognized species distributed in North America: P. modesta (big poplar sphinx), P. occidentalis (western poplar sphinx), and P. peninsularis. Adults are nocturnal and attracted to light sources. Larvae feed on poplar and willow species (Salicaceae).
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.
Paonias excaecata
Blinded Sphinx
Paonias excaecata, commonly known as the blinded sphinx, is a moth in the family Sphingidae. It occurs across much of North America, from Canada to Florida and west to California and Texas. Adults are attracted to ultraviolet lights, a trait frequently utilized by collectors and researchers for observation. The species is one of several hawk moths found in the genus Paonias, which are characterized by their robust bodies and relatively broad wings.
Paonias myops
Small-eyed Sphinx, small-eyed sphinx moth
Paonias myops, commonly known as the small-eyed sphinx, is a moth in the family Sphingidae. It was first described by James Edward Smith in 1797. The species ranges across much of North America, from southeastern Canada to Florida and westward nearly to the Pacific Coast, with additional populations in Mexico. Adults are notably more nocturnal than most sphingid moths, with flight activity primarily from June through September depending on latitude.
Phryxus caicus
Caicus Sphinx
Phryxus caicus is a sphinx moth and the sole species in its genus. It occurs primarily in the Neotropics with occasional records from the southeastern United States. Adults fly mainly during late summer and fall in temperate regions, though activity may continue year-round in tropical areas. Larvae feed on plants in the dogbane family.
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 clarkiae
Clark's sphinx
Proserpinus clarkiae, known as Clark's sphinx, is a small sphinx moth in the family Sphingidae. It occurs in western North America from British Columbia to Baja California and eastward to the Rocky Mountain states. Adults fly in spring and feed on nectar from diverse flowering plants, while larvae specialize on Clarkia unguiculata.
Proserpinus gaurae
proud sphinx moth, Proud Sphinx
Proserpinus gaurae is a medium-sized sphinx moth with distinctive orange and chestnut coloration. Adults are active primarily from April through August, with one or two generations per year. The species is notable for having the longest labial palps of any Proserpinus species. Larvae feed on evening primrose relatives and pupate in shallow soil burrows to overwinter.
SphingidaeMacroglossinaeMacroglossiniProserpinusproud-sphinx-mothProud-SphinxNorth-AmericaUnited-StatesMexicoevening-primroseOnagraceaeOenotheraGauraEpilobiumnocturnalspringsummerAprilMayJuneJulyAugust1797SmithSphinx-gauraemedium-sizedorangechestnutreddishwhiteblacklabial-palpssinuateforewinghindwingshallow-burrowoverwinterpupalarvaherbivorelepidopteristrearcollectprairiemeadowdisturbedopen-habitatTexasLouisianaFloridaAlabamaMissouriGeorgiaSouth-Carolinanorthern-MexicoProserpinus 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.
Proserpinus lucidus
Pacific green sphinx, bear sphinx
Proserpinus lucidus is a small sphinx moth native to the Pacific coast of North America. Adults are active in winter from December to April, during which they do not feed. The species exhibits unusual seasonal timing among North American sphinx moths, with adults emerging and mating during the coldest months. Larvae feed on specific evening primrose relatives in the genera Clarkia and Camissonia, and possess a distinctive "bullseye" spot in place of the typical horn found in most sphinx moth caterpillars.
Proserpinus terlooii
Terloo sphinx moth, Terloo sphinx
Proserpinus terlooii is a hawk moth (family Sphingidae) native to the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico. The species is closely related to the Pine White butterfly's namesake moth, Proserpinus gaurae, with which it shares genus-level traits. Adults are nocturnal and, like other sphingids, are likely capable of sustained hovering flight. The larval host plants and detailed life history remain poorly documented in published sources.
Proserpinus vega
vega sphinx moth, Vega Sphinx
Proserpinus vega is a sphinx moth in the family Sphingidae, first described by Harrison Gray Dyar Jr. in 1903. It occurs in the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. Adults are active in August, fly during the afternoon, and nectar from flowers. The larvae feed on plants in the evening primrose 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.