Manduca diffissa
Common NameManduca diffissa
Scientific NameManduca diffissa
FamilySphingidae
SubfamilySphinginae
Wingspan (mm)95
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorsbrown, grey, black
HabitatOpen woodlands, scrublands, gardens, agricultural areas
Geographic RangeSouth America (Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay, Paraguay, Bolivia, Peru, Chile)
Host PlantsNicotiana, Datura, Solanum, Petunia
Flight PeriodMultiple generations per year, active year-round in tropical areas, warmer months in temperate zones
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid on host plants, larvae are large with a caudal horn, and pupation occurs in the soil.
Identification TipsKey features include the mottled brown/grey forewings with a small white discal spot, and the prominent black and white lateral spots on the abdomen.
Description
A large, robust hawk moth with mottled brown and grey forewings featuring a small white discal spot, and a robust abdomen marked with distinct black and white lateral spots.
