Carolina Sphinx
Common NameCarolina Sphinx
Scientific NameManduca sexta
FamilySphingidae
SubfamilySphinginae
Wingspan (mm)105
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorsgrey, brown, black, orange
HabitatGardens, agricultural fields, open woodlands, suburban areas
Geographic RangeNorth America, Central America, parts of South America
Host Plantstobacco, tomato, potato, eggplant, pepper, jimsonweed
Flight PeriodMay to October (multiple broods)
Flight Stylehovering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid on host plants, developing into large green 'hornworm' caterpillars with a prominent horn at the rear. Pupation occurs in the soil.
Identification TipsKey features include its large size, cryptic grey/brown forewings, and the distinctive row of 6-7 prominent orange-yellow and black spots along each side of the abdomen.
Description
A large, robust moth with mottled grey and brown forewings providing excellent camouflage. Its stout body is grey with distinctive orange-yellow and black spots arranged in a row along each side.
