Butterflies and Moths of North America

collecting and sharing data about Lepidoptera

Lettered sphinx
Deidamia inscriptum (Harris, 1839)


Family: Sphingidae
Subfamily: Macroglossinae
Identification: Forewing outer margin is deeply scalloped. Forewing upperside is light brown with dark brown markings and a small black and white spot near the tip. Hindwing is orange-brown with a dark brown outer margin and median line.
Wing Span: 1 3/4 - 2 3/4 inches (4.5 - 7 cm).
Life History: Adults fly both day and night. Caterpillars pupate in shallow burrows in the soil.
Flight: One brood; from February-May in Louisiana, and from March-June in the remainder of the range.
Caterpillar Hosts: Grape (Vitis), ampelopsis (Ampelopsis), and Virginia creeper (Parthenocissus).
Adult Food: Nectar from flowers including lilac (Syringa vulgaris) and Phlox.
Habitat: Not reported.
Range: New Hampshire south to northern Florida; west to Minnesota, Nebraska, Oklahoma, and Texas.
Conservation: Not usually required.
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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