Tryon's Hawkmoth
Common NameTryon's Hawkmoth
Scientific NamePaonias myops
FamilySphingidae
SubfamilySmerinthinae
Wingspan (mm)60
Primary Colorsbrown, tan
HabitatDeciduous woodlands, forest edges, suburban areas, orchards
Geographic RangeEastern North America, from southern Canada south to Florida and west to the Great Plains
Host Plantswild cherry, plum, willow, birch, aspen, elm
Flight PeriodMay to September
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on host plant leaves. Larvae are green with white diagonal stripes and a caudal horn, feeding on various deciduous trees before pupating in a shallow burrow in the soil.
Identification TipsKey features include its cryptic brown forewings with a somewhat scalloped outer margin. The hindwings, though not visible in this dorsal view, possess a small, often partially obscured, blue-black eyespot, which is a crucial identification mark.
Description
A medium-sized, robust hawkmoth with cryptic, mottled brown forewings that provide excellent camouflage against tree bark. Its body is stout and matches the wing coloration.
