Blinded Sphinx
Paonias excaecata (Smith, 1797)
Family: Sphingidae
Status: Occasional resident
Larval Hostplant(s): Cherry (Prunus), Elm (Ulmus), basswood (Tilia),and Birch (Betula).
Range: Found in the eastern United States west to Montana, Wyoming, Colorado and New Mexico.
NENHP Ranking: Not listed
Broods/Flight Times: Records indicate one extended brood, peaking in June. A second occurs in southern portions of its range.
Habitat: Near hostplants, often in wooded areas.
Avg. Wingspan: 3 1/4 – 4 1/2 Inches
Found at: Box Elder WMA, Fontenelle Forest, Gilbert-Baker WMA, Homestead NM, Niobrara Valley Preserve.
Overwintering: As pupae in leaf litter or in the soil.
Similar Species: The HW of the Blinded Sphinx contains a single blue spot (two in the Twin Spotted Sphinx) and the basal area is pink (yellowish in the Small-eyed Sphinx).
Notes: Adults do not feed.
🔗Links: Moth Photographers Group, BugGuide.net.
