Syces Sphinx
Common NameSyces Sphinx
Scientific NamePachylia syces
FamilySphingidae
SubfamilyMacroglossinae
Wingspan (mm)95
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorsbrown, dark brown
HabitatTropical and subtropical forests, disturbed areas, gardens
Geographic RangeSouthern North America (southern Texas, Florida), Central America, South America (Mexico to Argentina)
Host PlantsTabernaemontana, Stemmadenia, Rauvolfia, Hancornia, Allamanda, Mandevilla, Plumeria, Vallesia
Flight PeriodYear-round in tropical regions; May to November in subtropical areas
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on host plant leaves. Larvae are typically green or brown with a posterior horn, pupating in a shallow burrow in the soil or leaf litter.
Identification TipsKey features include the mottled brown forewings with two small white discal spots and the deeply scalloped or excised outer margin of the hindwings, which is characteristic of the species.
Description
A large, robust hawk-moth with cryptically patterned brown forewings featuring darker patches and two small white discal spots. Its hindwings have a distinctive scalloped outer margin.
