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Plebeian sphinx
Paratraea plebeja (Fabricius, 1777)
Attributes of Paratraea plebejaFamily: Sphinx Moths, Hawkmoths (Sphingidae) Subfamily: Sphinginae (Sphinginae) Identification: Forewing is gray with indistinct black and white markings, a series of black dashes from the base to the tip, and a small white cell spot. Hindwing is dark gray with an obscure dark median band. Life history: Caterpillars hide on the underside of stems during the day, and emerge to feed at night. Fully-grown caterpillars pupate in chambers in soft soil. Caterpillars of the second brood pupate and overwinter in their chambers. Flight: One brood in the north from May-July, at least two broods in the south from March-November. Wing span: 2 3/8 - 3 inches (6 - 7.5 cm). Caterpillar hosts: Common trumpetcreeper (Campsis radicans), Florida yellow-trumpet (Tecoma stans), lilac (Syringa species), and passionflower (Passiflora species). Adult food: Deep-throated flowers including honeysuckle, bouncing bet, and verbena. Habitat: Not reported. Range: Connecticut south to Florida; west to Nebraska, Kansas, Oklahoma, and Texas. Ranges south to Veracruz, Mexico. Conservation: Not usually required. NatureServe Global Status: G5 - Demonstrably secure globally, though it may be quite rare in parts of its range, especially at the periphery. Management needs: None reported. | Documented Records for Paratraea plebeja
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