Obscure Sphinx
Common NameObscure Sphinx
Scientific NameManduca obscura
FamilySphingidae
SubfamilySphinginae
Wingspan (mm)100
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorsgrey, brown, black, reddish-orange
HabitatDry tropical forests, scrublands, desert areas
Geographic RangeSouthwestern United States, Mexico, Central America
Host PlantsNicotiana, Datura, Lycium, Cestrum
Flight PeriodMay to October
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on host plants. Larvae are large hornworms, typically green or brown with diagonal stripes and a prominent horn, which pupate in an underground chamber.
Identification TipsLook for its large size, the overall greyish-brown cryptic pattern on the forewings, and the key feature of reddish-orange patches on the sides of the abdomen, often visible even when the moth is at rest.
Description
A large, robust moth with a cryptic pattern of grey, brown, and black streaks and bands on its forewings, providing excellent camouflage. The thick abdomen is grey with subtle dark bands and distinctive reddish-orange patches on the sides.
