Butterflies and Moths of North America

collecting and sharing data about Lepidoptera

  Sighting 1016931

Tersa Sphinx
Xylophanes tersa

Observation date: September 11, 2014
Date notes: Cocoon spotted 09/11/2014 and hatched on 09/25/2014
Submitted by: tlrodgers
Specimen type: Photograph
Observation notes: Discovered a cocoon "fort" against my chase lounger chair about 2 weeks ago. The chair area stayed dry and is located in the shade most of the time. I decided to watch to see if what was in that cocoon was alive. Checked on it periodically and did notice movement with the cocoon (not much but enough to know something was in there) so I left it alone to see what would happen. As of today, 09/25/2014 it "hatched" (transformed) into this very unique creature what looks like some type of moth butterfly? Would love to know what this sweet creature is. I hope you can help! Thank you in advance for your time. Kind regards, Tracie Rodgers
Status: Resident
Verified by: stomlins701
Verified date: September 25, 2014
Coordinator notes: Thanks for submitting both photos and for your observations. The caterpillars often feed on pentas, so if you have those in your garden, that's probably what brought it to that "safe" place by your chair.
Checklist region(s): United States, Texas, Collin County