Croton Sphinx
Common NameCroton Sphinx
Scientific NameXylophanes crotonis
FamilySphingidae
SubfamilyMacroglossinae
Wingspan (mm)80
Wing Patternstriped
Primary Colorsolive green, tan, dark green
HabitatTropical and subtropical forests, forest edges, clearings
Geographic RangeCentral America (Mexico southwards) and South America (Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay, Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, Venezuela, Guyana, Suriname, French Guiana)
Host PlantsCroton, Manihot
Flight PeriodYear-round in tropical regions, with multiple broods
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are typically green or brown, often featuring eyespots, and feed on host plants before pupating in the soil or leaf litter.
Identification TipsKey features include the overall olive-green coloration, the distinct longitudinal tan stripes on the forewings, and the small black discal spot. The body is stout and tapers to a pointed abdomen.
Description
A medium-sized hawk moth characterized by its robust olive-green body and forewings adorned with prominent longitudinal tan and dark green stripes, along with a small black discal spot.
