Falcon Sphinx
Common NameFalcon Sphinx
Scientific NameDarapsa pholus
FamilySphingidae
SubfamilySmerinthinae
Wingspan (mm)60
Wing Patternstriped
Primary Colorsolive-brown, dark brown, yellowish-brown
HabitatDeciduous forests, woodlands, suburban areas, gardens
Geographic RangeEastern North America, from Nova Scotia west to Manitoba and south to Florida and Texas
Host PlantsViburnum, Grape, Azalea, Willow
Flight PeriodMay to September (multiple broods)
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on host plant leaves. Larvae are typically green or brown with a prominent horn at the rear, pupating in the soil or leaf litter.
Identification TipsDistinguished by its olive-brown forewings with two prominent dark brown diagonal bands. The hindwings are typically dull orange-brown. Often confused with other *Darapsa* species, but the specific pattern of the forewing bands helps differentiate it.
Description
A medium-sized sphinx moth with robust, olive-brown to yellowish-brown forewings marked with distinctive darker brown diagonal bands and a similarly colored body.
