Giant sphinx
Cocytius antaeus (Drury, 1773)
Family: Sphingidae
Subfamily: Sphinginae
Identification: Females are much larger than males. Forewing is a blurry yellowish gray. Hindwing is dark gray with yellow at the base and a dark "tooth" projecting from the margin into the translucent area between each vein.
Wing Span: 5 - 7 inches (12.6 - 17.8 cm).
Life History: Females lay eggs singly on leaves of various species of Annona. Caterpillars are large and have a horn at the rear end.
Flight: . Several broods throughout the year in south Florida.
Caterpillar Hosts: Custard apple (Annona glabra).
Adult Food: Flower nectar.
Habitat: Tropical and subtropical lowlands.
Range: Resident in Florida and tropical America south to Brazil and Peru, rare in South Texas, strays as far north as Chicago.
Conservation: Population status and habitat requirements should be studied in Florida.
NCGR: G5 - Demonstrably secure globally, though it may be quite rare in parts of its range, especially at the periphery.
Management Needs: None reported.
Comments: NULL
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Verified Sightings
Displaying 25 - 32 of 32 verified sightings
Observation date: unknown
Submitted by: legacy.reporter
Region: Florence County, South Carolina, United States
Verified by: legacy.verifier
Verified date: Dec 31, 2004
Observation date: unknown
Submitted by: legacy.reporter
Region: Brewster County, Texas, United States
Verified by: legacy.verifier
Verified date: Dec 31, 2004
Observation date: unknown
Submitted by: legacy.reporter
Region: Charlotte County, Florida, United States
Verified by: legacy.verifier
Verified date: Dec 31, 2004
Observation date: unknown
Submitted by: legacy.reporter
Region: Volusia County, Florida, United States
Verified by: legacy.verifier
Verified date: Dec 31, 2004
Observation date: unknown
Submitted by: legacy.reporter
Region: Highlands County, Florida, United States
Verified by: legacy.verifier
Verified date: Dec 31, 2004
Observation date: unknown
Submitted by: legacy.reporter
Region: Cape May County, New Jersey, United States
Verified by: legacy.verifier
Verified date: Dec 31, 2004
Observation date: unknown
Submitted by: legacy.reporter
Region: Pickens County, South Carolina, United States
Verified by: legacy.verifier
Verified date: Dec 31, 2004
Observation date: unknown
Submitted by: legacy.reporter
Region: Monroe County, Florida, United States
Verified by: legacy.verifier
Verified date: Dec 31, 2004
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