Carica Sphinx
Common NameCarica Sphinx
Scientific NameIsognathus caricae
FamilySphingidae
SubfamilyMacroglossinae
Wingspan (mm)80
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorsblack, grey, orange, white
HabitatTropical and subtropical forests, clearings, gardens
Geographic RangeCentral America, South America (e.g., Mexico to Brazil, Peru, Bolivia)
Host PlantsPlumeria, Himatanthus
Flight PeriodYear-round in tropical regions
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are typically green or brown with a prominent horn at the posterior end, feeding on host plants before pupating in the soil or leaf litter.
Identification TipsKey identification features include the dark, mottled forewings contrasting sharply with the bright orange hindwings (visible in flight or at rest when wings are spread), and the striking black and white banded abdomen.
Description
A large hawk moth with dark grey-brown cryptic forewings that conceal vibrant orange hindwings with black veins and a black border. Its robust abdomen is distinctly banded with black and white.
