Hydrangea Sphinx
Common NameHydrangea Sphinx
Scientific NameDarapsa versicolor
FamilySphingidae
SubfamilyMacroglossinae
Wingspan (mm)70
Wing Patternstriped
Primary Colorsgreen, white, brown
HabitatDeciduous forests, woodlands, suburban gardens, and areas with host plants
Geographic RangeEastern North America, from Nova Scotia west to Michigan and south to Florida and Mississippi
Host PlantsHydrangea spp., Viburnum spp.
Flight PeriodMay to August (often two broods in the south)
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on host plant leaves. Larvae are typically green with white stripes and a prominent horn, pupating in a shallow burrow in the soil.
Identification TipsDistinguished by its vibrant green and white forewing pattern, featuring a broad, irregular white band across the forewing and a mostly green body. The reddish-brown patches are also characteristic.
Description
A medium-sized moth with striking green and white forewings, often accented with reddish-brown markings, and a stout, green body.
