Cramer's Sphinx
Common NameCramer's Sphinx
Scientific NameCocytius crameri
FamilySphingidae
SubfamilySphinginae
Wingspan (mm)120
Primary Colorsdark brown, grey, orange, black
HabitatTropical and subtropical forests, woodlands, gardens, and disturbed areas.
Geographic RangeSouthern United States (as a stray), Mexico, Central America, and widespread across South America.
Host PlantsAnnona species, Ficus species, Manihot species
Flight PeriodYear-round in tropical regions, with multiple overlapping broods.
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesUndergoes complete metamorphosis; larvae are large, often green or brown with a caudal horn, feeding on host plants before pupating in the soil.
Identification TipsKey features include its large size, the cryptic forewings, and the distinctive orange hindwings with a prominent black median band and marginal spots, often revealed during flight.
Description
A large hawk-moth characterized by its mottled dark brown and grey forewings, which conceal vibrant orange hindwings patterned with broad black bands and spots, visible when the wings are spread.
