Drowsy-eyed Sphinx
Common NameDrowsy-eyed Sphinx
Scientific NamePaonias myops
FamilySphingidae
SubfamilySmerinthinae
Wingspan (mm)60
Primary Colorsgrey, brown, black, pink, cream, blue
HabitatDeciduous forests, woodlands, orchards, suburban areas
Geographic RangeEastern North America, from southern Canada south to Florida and west to the Great Plains
Host Plantscherry, hawthorn, apple, plum, birch, willow
Flight PeriodMay to September
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are typically green with white stripes and a caudal horn, feeding on the leaves of various trees and shrubs. They pupate in a shallow burrow in the soil, and adults are nocturnal.
Identification TipsKey features for identification include the mottled grey-brown forewings for camouflage and the distinctive hindwing pattern: a large black eyespot with a blue crescent and a small black pupil, set on a pale tan/cream background, and a prominent pink basal patch.
Description
A medium-sized moth characterized by its cryptic grey-brown forewings and striking hindwings that display prominent black and blue eyespots on a cream background, accented by a vibrant pink patch near the body.
