Muscosa Sphinx
Common NameMuscosa Sphinx
Scientific NameSphingonaepiopsis muscosa
FamilySphingidae
SubfamilyMacroglossinae
Wingspan (mm)30
Primary Colorsgrey, brown, white
HabitatDry, rocky areas, steppes, semi-deserts, and sparse scrubland
Geographic RangeNorth Africa, Middle East, Central Asia (e.g., Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan)
Host PlantsRubia peregrina, Rubia tinctorum
Flight PeriodApril to June, and August to September (bivoltine)
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are typically green or brown, often with lateral stripes or spots, and feed on madder plants (Rubia spp.). Pupation occurs in the soil.
Identification TipsDistinguished by its small size for a sphinx moth, the overall cryptic grey-brown coloration, and the presence of small, prominent white discal spots on the forewings. The antennae are relatively thick and clubbed.
Description
A small, cryptically colored sphinx moth with mottled grey-brown forewings featuring faint darker lines and small, distinct white discal spots. The body is robust and covered in similar grey-brown scales.
