Butterflies and Moths of North America

collecting and sharing data about Lepidoptera

Pluto sphinx
Xylophanes pluto (Fabricius, 1777)


Family: Sphingidae
Subfamily: Macroglossinae
Identification: Forewing upperside is olive green with a paler median band and pale lines with purple shading along them. Hindwing upperside has a white spot surrounded by black at the base, a wide orangish yellow median band, and a brown to greenish band along the outer margin.
Wing Span: 2 1/16 - 2 9/16 inches (5.3 - 6.5 cm).
Life History: Not reported.
Flight: . Several broods throughout the year in Florida and South Texas.
Caterpillar Hosts: Milkberry (Chiococca species), Hamelia patens, and Erythroxylon species.
Adult Food: Nectar from flowers including wild verbena.
Habitat: Tropical and subtropical lowlands.
Range: Brazil north through Central America, Mexico, and the West Indies to Florida and South 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