Pawpaw Sphinx
Common NamePawpaw Sphinx
Scientific NameDolba hyloeus
FamilySphingidae
SubfamilySphinginae
Wingspan (mm)52.5
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorsdark brown, grey, white
HabitatDeciduous forests, woodlands, forest edges
Geographic RangeEastern North America, from southern Canada to Florida and west to Texas
Host PlantsAsimina triloba, Vaccinium, Ilex
Flight PeriodMay to September
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are typically green with white stripes and a prominent horn, feeding on pawpaw leaves before pupating in the soil.
Identification TipsDistinguished by its relatively small size for a sphinx, the intricate mottled pattern on its forewings, and a small white discal spot.
Description
A medium-sized sphinx moth with mottled dark brown, grey, and white forewings, giving it a cryptic appearance, and a robust, tapered body.
