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
