Titan Sphinx
Common NameTitan Sphinx
Scientific NameAellopos titan
FamilySphingidae
SubfamilyMacroglossinae
Wingspan (mm)60
Wing Patternstriped
Primary Colorsdark brown, black, white
HabitatOpen areas, gardens, forest edges, tropical and subtropical regions
Geographic RangeSouthern United States (Florida, Texas, Arizona), Mexico, Central America, South America
Host PlantsPsychotria, Cephalanthus, Randia
Flight PeriodYear-round in tropical areas; May to October in northern parts of range
Flight Stylehovering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on host plants. Larvae are typically green or brown with a posterior horn, pupating in a shallow burrow in the soil.
Identification TipsLook for the distinctive white band on the abdomen and the white stripe on the forewings. Its rapid, hummingbird-like hovering flight while feeding is also a key identifier.
Description
A robust, medium-sized hawk-moth characterized by its dark brown to black body and wings, featuring a prominent white band across the abdomen and a distinct white stripe on each forewing.
