Field Guide Descriptions: Covell (1984); Beadle and Leckie (2012) | Online Photographs: MPG, BugGuide, GBIF, BOLD | Technical Description, Adults: Forbes (1948); Hodges (1971); Tuttle (2007) | Technical Description, Immature Stages: Forbes (1948); Wagner (2005); Tuttle (2007) | |
Adult Markings: This beautiful yellow-brown sphinx is easy to identify and one of our more common species in this genus. This looks like a smaller version of S. frankii but the abdominal spots are white and the moth is more tailored in appearance. Similar to Xylophanes tersa in size and wing color but has a darker brown marks on the thorax and abdomen. Other brown-colored sphingids are duller brown or have a heavier pattern of streaks. Sexes are similar. |
Wingspan: 7.5 - 10.3 cm (Covell, 1984) |
Adult ID Requirements: Identifiable from good quality photos of unworn specimens. |
Immatures and Development: Larvae have the usual pattern of seven oblique lateral stripes on a green background, but are distinctive in their yellowish lateral stripes, edged with black; strong stripes on the sides of the head; and blue caudal horn covered with black spines (Wagner, 2005). Pupation occurs underground. |
Larvae ID Requirements: Identifiable from good quality photos, especially where associated with known host plants. |