Trumpet Vine Sphinx
Common NameTrumpet Vine Sphinx
Scientific NameParatrea plebeja
FamilySphingidae
SubfamilySphinginae
Wingspan (mm)80
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorsgrey, brown, black
HabitatDeciduous forests, woodlands, suburban areas, gardens
Geographic RangeEastern North America, from southern Canada to Florida and west to the Great Plains
Host PlantsCampsis radicans, Bignonia capreolata
Flight PeriodMay to October (multiple broods)
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are typically green with white stripes and a prominent horn at the rear, feeding exclusively on trumpet vine leaves. Pupation occurs in an underground burrow.
Identification TipsKey features include the mottled grey-brown forewings with dark streaks and a distinct small white discal spot, its large size, and its strong association with Trumpet Vine host plants.
Description
A large, robust moth with cryptically patterned grey and brown forewings featuring dark longitudinal streaks and a small white discal spot. The hindwings are dark brown to blackish.
