Five-spotted Hawk Moth
Common NameFive-spotted Hawk Moth
Scientific NameManduca quinquemaculata
FamilySphingidae
SubfamilySphinginae
Wingspan (mm)110
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorsgrey, brown, black, orange
HabitatGardens, agricultural fields, open woodlands, disturbed areas
Geographic RangeNorth America (southern Canada to northern Mexico)
Host Plantstomato, tobacco, potato, datura, nightshade
Flight PeriodMay to October
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are large, green 'hornworms' with a prominent horn at the posterior end, known for feeding voraciously on solanaceous host plants before pupating underground.
Identification TipsKey features include its large size, cryptic grey-brown forewings, and most distinctively, the five pairs of bright orange-yellow spots bordered by black on the sides of its abdomen.
Description
A large, robust moth with mottled grey and brown forewings that appear streaked, and a stout abdomen featuring five pairs of prominent orange-yellow and black spots along the sides.
