Half-blind Sphinx
Common NameHalf-blind Sphinx
Scientific NamePaonias excaecata
FamilySphingidae
SubfamilySmerinthinae
Wingspan (mm)75
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorsbrown, dark brown
HabitatDeciduous forests, woodlands, orchards, suburban areas
Geographic RangeEastern North America, from Newfoundland west to British Columbia, and south to Florida and Texas
Host Plantswillow, birch, elm, apple, cherry, maple, ash
Flight PeriodMay to September
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on host plant leaves. Larvae are green with white stripes and a caudal horn, pupating in an underground chamber before emerging as nocturnal adults.
Identification TipsKey features include the mottled brown forewings with jagged outer margins and, most notably, the hindwing eyespot which is partially obscured by a black bar, giving it a 'half-blind' appearance (though not visible in this dorsal view).
Description
A medium-to-large moth with mottled brown and grey forewings, often with jagged outer margins, providing excellent camouflage against tree bark or dead leaves.
