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Species Detail

Hermit sphinx

Sphinx eremitus (Hübner, 1823)

JPG -- species photo

Attributes of Sphinx eremitus


Family: Sphinx Moths, Hawkmoths (Sphingidae)

Subfamily: Sphinginae (Sphinginae)

Identification: Forewing is gray-brown with wavy lines, black dashes, and 1 or 2 small white spots near the center of the costa. Hindwing is black with 2 white bands and a triangular black patch at the base.

Life history: Fully-grown caterpillars pupate in chambers underground.

Flight: . One brood from July-August.

Wing span: 2 9/16 - 2 15/16 inches (6.5 - 7.5 cm).

Caterpillar hosts: Various species of beebalm (Monarda), mints (Mentha), bugleweed (Lycopis), and sage (Salvia).

Adult food: Deep-throated flowers including Japanese honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica), bouncing bet (Saponaria officinalis), petunia (Petunia species), and catalpa (Catalpa speciosa).

Habitat:

Range: Maine south to North Carolina, west to Manitoba, South Dakota, and Missouri.

Conservation: Not usually required.

NatureServe Global Status: G4 - Apparently secure globally, though it might be quite rare in parts of its range, especially at the periphery.

Management needs: None reported.

Documented Records for Sphinx eremitus



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