Sphinx-moth
Guides
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.
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 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.
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.
Coloradia pandora pandora
Pandora sphinx moth
Coloradia pandora pandora is a subspecies of the Pandora sphinx moth, a large saturniid moth native to North and Middle America. Adults are characterized by their heavy-bodied, streamlined form and rapid, powerful flight. The subspecies is primarily distinguished by geographic distribution and subtle morphological differences from other Coloradia pandora subspecies. Larvae are hornworms that feed on grape family plants, particularly Virginia creeper.
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 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
Deidamia is a monotypic genus of sphinx moths in the family Sphingidae, established by Clemens in 1859. The genus contains a single species, Deidamia inscriptum (lettered sphinx), which occurs in North America. The genus belongs to the tribe Macroglossini within the subfamily Macroglossinae.
Dolba hyloeus
Pawpaw Sphinx
Dolba hyloeus, the pawpaw sphinx, is a moth in the family Sphingidae. It is the only species in the genus Dolba. The species is found throughout the eastern United States, where it has been documented from Maine to Florida and west to Wisconsin, Oklahoma, and Texas. Adults are nocturnal and attracted to light. The common name reflects the larval association with pawpaw trees (Asimina species).
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.
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.
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 lassauxii
Lassaux's Sphinx, Lassaux's sphinx moth
Erinnyis lassauxii, known as Lassaux's Sphinx, is a moth in the family Sphingidae. The species was first described by Jean Baptiste Boisduval in 1859. It occurs from northern Argentina through Central America into the southern United States.
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 achemon
Achemon Sphinx, Grape Sphinx
Eumorpha achemon, commonly known as the Achemon Sphinx or Grape Sphinx, is a large sphinx moth native to North America. Adults are notable for their attractive pink hindwings, which contrast with their cryptic forewings. The species is considered uncommon throughout its range and is the only member of its genus found in California. Larvae are large hornworms that feed exclusively on grape leaves.
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.
Euproserpinus
Primrose Sphinxes
Euproserpinus is a genus of sphinx moths (Sphingidae) commonly known as Primrose Sphinxes. The genus contains three described species, all native to western North America. The most well-documented species, Euproserpinus euterpe, is federally threatened and has been extensively studied for its specialized biology. Members of this genus are associated with evening primrose host plants and exhibit unique pupal adaptations for emergence in sandy soil habitats.
Euproserpinus phaeton
Phaeton primrose sphinx moth, Phaeton Primrose Sphinx
Euproserpinus phaeton is a medium-sized sphinx moth (Sphingidae) native to arid regions of southwestern North America. Adults are diurnal nectar-feeders, flying rapidly close to ground level over desert washes and flats during early spring. The species has a single annual generation and is dependent on Onagraceae plants for larval development. Its restricted activity period and specific habitat requirements make it a notable component of spring desert ecosystems.
Eupyrrhoglossum sagra
Cuban Sphinx
Eupyrrhoglossum sagra is a medium-sized sphinx moth (Sphingidae) native to tropical and subtropical lowlands of the Caribbean and Central and South America. Adults have a wingspan of 51–53 mm and display distinctive wing patterning including a semi-transparent submarginal spot on the forewing and a median yellow band on the hindwing. The species was first described by Felipe Poey in 1832 based on Cuban specimens. Larvae feed on Rubiaceae species, with documented hosts including Guettarda and Chomelia.
Hemaris diffinis
Snowberry Clearwing, Hummingbird Moth, Flying Lobster, Bumblebee Sphinx Moth
Hemaris diffinis is a day-flying sphinx moth notable for its bumblebee mimicry and clear, scale-free wing patches. Adults hover at flowers to feed on nectar using an exceptionally long proboscis. The species was historically confused with the cryptic Hemaris aethra in eastern North America, distinguished only recently through molecular and morphological analysis. Larvae are hornworm caterpillars that feed on various host plants including honeysuckle and snowberry.
Hemaris gracilis
slender clearwing, graceful clearwing
Hemaris gracilis, commonly known as the slender clearwing or graceful clearwing, is a moth in the family Sphingidae. It is distinguished from related clearwing moths by red-brown bands on the thorax and a red abdomen. The species is considered the rarest of the three North American Hemaris species and is listed as threatened in Connecticut and of Special Concern in Massachusetts. Adults are active from March through August, with likely two generations per year in its range.
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.
Hyles lineata
white-lined sphinx, hummingbird moth
Hyles lineata is a large, abundant sphinx moth native to North and Central America, recognized for its distinctive hovering flight and striking wing pattern. Adults display a 2–3 inch wingspan with dark brown forewings marked by white longitudinal lines and black hindwings bearing a broad pink median band. The species exhibits unusual flexibility in activity patterns, flying at dusk, dawn, and occasionally during daylight hours to feed on nectar. Caterpillars show extreme color polymorphism, ranging from black with orange spots to lime green with black markings, and possess a characteristic posterior horn. This generalist feeder has been documented on over a dozen plant families and serves as a significant pollinator and occasional agricultural pest.
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 cupressi
Cypress Sphinx, Baldcypress Sphinx
Isoparce cupressi is a sphinx moth (family Sphingidae) commonly known as the cypress sphinx or baldcypress sphinx. The species is strongly associated with cypress swamp habitats in the southeastern and south-central United States. Adults are active from February through October in the southern portion of their range, with multiple generations per year reported. The specific epithet 'cupressi' references the genus Taxodium (bald cypress), indicating a close ecological relationship with this host plant.
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.
Lintneria smithi
Smith's Sphinx
Lintneria smithi is a species of sphinx moth in the family Sphingidae, commonly known as Smith's Sphinx. It is a poorly known species with only three to four recorded locations across its restricted range in the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico. The moth has a thick, elongated body and a wingspan of approximately 9 centimeters. Very little is known about its life history, including host plant relationships and larval development.
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.
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 muscosa
Muscosa Sphinx
Manduca muscosa, the muscosa sphinx, is a large sphinx moth in the family Sphingidae. Adults have a wingspan of 100–126 mm and exhibit darker, olive-toned coloration compared to related species. The species occurs from southern Arizona through Central America, with larvae feeding on multiple host plants including Verbesina gigantea and members of the Asteraceae family.
Manduca occulta
Occult Sphinx
Manduca occulta, the occult sphinx, is a large sphinx moth in the family Sphingidae. Adults have a wingspan of 105–120 mm and are visually similar to Manduca diffissa tropicalis, requiring genital examination for definitive identification. The species occurs from Panama through Central America and Mexico to the southern United States, with occasional strays reaching southern Florida. It completes one generation per year in Costa Rica, with adults active from May to June.
Manduca quinquemaculatus
Five-spotted Hawk Moth, Tomato Hornworm
Manduca quinquemaculatus, commonly known as the five-spotted hawk moth or tomato hornworm, is a large sphinx moth whose caterpillar is a significant agricultural pest. The adult moth has a wingspan up to 5 inches (12 cm) and is a strong flier active at night. The larval stage feeds primarily on tomatoes and other Solanaceae plants, causing extensive defoliation when populations are high. The species is closely related to and often confused with the tobacco hornworm (Manduca sexta).
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.
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.
Pachylioides
Pachylioides is a monotypic moth genus in the family Sphingidae, established by Ronald W. Hodges in 1971. It contains a single species, Pachylioides resumens, described by Francis Walker in 1856. The genus belongs to the tribe Dilophonotini within the subfamily Macroglossinae. Adults are active year-round in tropical regions with multiple generations per year.
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 astylus
Huckleberry Sphinx
Paonias astylus is a sphinx moth native to eastern North America, commonly known as the huckleberry sphinx. The species exhibits bivoltine flight periods in the southern portion of its range and univoltine patterns in the north. Adults have reduced mouthparts and do not feed; larvae specialize on woody plants in several families including Ericaceae and Salicaceae.
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 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 flavofasciata
yellow-banded day sphinx
Proserpinus flavofasciata, commonly known as the yellow-banded day sphinx, is a day-flying hawk moth native to North America. The adult is a bumblebee mimic with distinctive black and yellow coloration. The species inhabits boreal and mountain forest edges and clearings, with a distribution spanning Canada from Alaska to the Maritimes and southward to Maine and Massachusetts. Larvae feed on Epilobium and Rubus species, and the species overwinters as a pupa in soil.
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).