#7775 sexta

Carolina Sphinx

Manduca sexta (Linnaeus, 1763)

Family: Sphingidae

Status: Common resident

Range: Found throughout the continental United States with the exception of the north-central and northwestern states.

Larval Hostplant(s):  Plants in the nightshade family (Solonaceae) including tomatoes, potatoes and tobacco.

NENHP Ranking: Not listed

Broods/Flight Times: Probably double-brooded in our area

Habitat: Equally at home in urban and rural settings.

Avg. Wingspan: 3 3/4 – 4 3/4 Inches

Found at: Audubon’s Rowe Sanctuary, Box Elder Wildlife Management Area, Fontenelle Forest, Indian Cave State Park, Kinter’s Ford Wildlife Management Area, Wildcat Hills State Recreation Area.

Overwintering: As pupae underground.

Similar Species: The Five-spotted Sphinx has a dark line running parallel to its fw margin that the Carolina Sphinx lacks.

Notes:

🔗Links: Moth Photographers Group, BugGuide.net

Carolina Sphinx, Knox Co., NE, Aug 15, 2022, Mark Brogie
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