Abbott's Sphinx
Common NameAbbott's Sphinx
Scientific NameSphecodina abbottii
FamilySphingidae
SubfamilyMacroglossinae
Wingspan (mm)60
Wing Patternstriped
Primary Colorsbrown, tan, dark brown
HabitatDeciduous forests, woodlands, suburban areas, gardens
Geographic RangeEastern North America, from Nova Scotia south to Florida, and west to the Great Plains
Host Plantsgrape, Virginia creeper
Flight PeriodApril to September (often two broods)
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are polymorphic, often green with an eyespot or brown and textured, mimicking dead wood. They pupate in a shallow burrow in the soil.
Identification TipsLook for the distinctive scalloped or jagged hindwing margin (though not fully visible in this view), the intricate wavy forewing pattern, and its robust body. Larvae have a unique 'horn' replaced by a button-like structure in later instars.
Description
A robust, medium-sized moth with cryptically patterned forewings featuring wavy dark brown and tan bands, giving it a bark-like appearance. It rests with wings folded tent-like over its body.
