Thyelia Sphinx
Common NameThyelia Sphinx
Scientific NameXylophanes thyelia
FamilySphingidae
SubfamilyMacroglossinae
Wingspan (mm)75
Wing Patternstriped
Primary Colorsbrown, dark brown, tan
HabitatTropical and subtropical forests, forest edges
Geographic RangeCentral America, South America (from Mexico to Brazil, Bolivia, Argentina), occasionally strays to southern Texas
Host PlantsPsychotria, Palicourea, Hamelia patens
Flight PeriodYear-round in tropical regions; late spring to fall in northern parts of its range
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on host plants. Larvae are typically green or brown, often with eyespots, and pupate in a shallow burrow in the soil or leaf litter.
Identification TipsKey features include the specific pattern of brown and dark brown longitudinal bands on the forewings, especially the prominent dark median band, and the overall streamlined hawk-moth shape.
Description
A medium-sized hawk-moth with a robust, streamlined body and long, pointed forewings. The forewings are predominantly brown with a distinct dark brown median band and lighter brown longitudinal streaks.
