Hermit Sphinx
Common NameHermit Sphinx
Scientific NameLintneria eremitus
FamilySphingidae
SubfamilySphinginae
Wingspan (mm)75
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorsbrown, grey, black
HabitatOpen woodlands, fields, gardens, disturbed areas
Geographic RangeEastern North America, from southern Canada south to Florida and west to the Great Plains
Host PlantsMonarda, Mentha, Salvia, Lycopus
Flight PeriodLate spring to early fall (May-September)
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on host plants. Larvae are typically green with white stripes and a prominent horn at the rear, pupating in an underground chamber.
Identification TipsLook for the cryptic brown and grey forewings with a distinctive dark central streak and a small white discal spot. The hindwings (not visible dorsally) are dark with two pale bands.
Description
A medium-to-large moth with mottled brown and grey forewings, featuring dark streaks and a small white discal spot. Its robust, hairy body is also cryptically colored.
