Lesser Vine Sphinx
(08/22/2005) Identify
Hi Bugman,
I love your site. Could you help me identify this bug found in Orlando Florida, 2003?
Thank you, Beth



Hi Beth,
You have sent in a photo of a Lesser Vine Sphinx, Eumorpha fasciatus. The moth is common in the Gulf States and southward, but is sometimes reported from as far north as Massachusetts.

Rustic Sphinx Metamorphosis
(08/20/2005) Revision: Rare metamorphosis or rare insect, maybe
Please ignore my previous message sent last night. In my excitement, I looked through your great Web site, and upon further investigation tonight, saw that it is identified: "Your moth is a member of the Hawkmoth Family Sphingidae known as the Rustic Sphinx, Manduca rustica." << The first four pictures were taken within 14 minutes of each other around sunset in Tucson, Arizona. The bug was on my home's doorstep. I see by looking on your Web site that it is a Rustic Sphinx moth, Manduca rustica. It didn't seem able to move, and  "posed" for my flash photography. I thought the unfolding of this newly metamorphosed moth's wings was amazing. I have never seen this bug before, and neither have a few other long-time residents I asked. The last photo shows the handsome bug two hours later, still in exactly the same spot, almost ready to fly. Ta-dah! It took to the air a few minutes later.
Pamela



Hi Pamela,
Nice bit of sleuthing. We are thrilled to have your Rustic Sphinx metamorphosis images.

Hummingbird Clearwing Moth
(08/17/2005) Name this bug! : )
Hi,
Loved your site, very helpful. Last night, after 2 years of desperately trying to describe and/or photograph one, my Husband finally caught a glimpse of the mysterious "Lobster Bug" I have been raving about, and he was able to get a photo of it with his new camera. It is amazing in the photos, so I am sending you two shots. (They're big). The weird thing is, this one is quite colorful, while the one I caught last summer was just shades of gray and dark gray, with no colors at all, and the end of the "lobster bug" tail was just like a real lobster tail - shaped like an open fan (Note the segmented tail, like a lobster tail, even on this one). I don't know why this one is so colorful or brush-like on the tip. Maybe it's a male/female thing, like birds, etc, one bright, one dull? This red one seems a bit furry, too, compared to my gray one. I found photos online that said it was "Hemaris gracilis", but I wonder if the gray one I caught last year was, too. Do they have a female gray version? (Or male). My gray one was a bit smaller, too, I think. I hope you like the shots and can use them on your page. They're about 1 to 1.5 inches long, so the photos are deceptive. Think moth - not bird, for size estimates. It's sitting on my Butterfly bush, so those masses of flowers beneath it are really quite small. My husband was astounded when he saw it, and I'm just glad to finally have proof. He thought it might be a baby hummingbird because it is sucking nectar, but it is a bug for sure. Look at the legs, and wings. It is not a  bird - of any kind. It's a bug. Please let me know if you can tell me anything about the gray one. We've lived here in Southern New Hampshire for 5 years, and I've only seen one gray one, and one colored one, so they're not common, and I'd like to know if they're the same bug.
Thank you in advance,
Karen Malnati



Hi Karen,
Your husband's images of the Hummingbird Clearwing, Hemaris thysbe, are pretty amazing. The gray moth you describe is probably another species of Sphinx Moth or Hawk Moth, Family Sphingidae.

Tomato Hornworm or Tobacco Sphinx, newly metamorphosed
(08/16/2005)
We were out visiting my parents last weekend in Central Pennsylvania and around dusk came across this insect. He seemed to be injured and was having problems moving around. He looked like an odd cross between a caterpillar, a grasshopper, and a butterfly. Looking through the other bugs posted on your site, we think it might be some sort of Sphinx, but it didn't appear quite right. I took a bunch of pictures but these three turned out the best. Any help you can provide in identifying this bug would be appreciated.
Sincerely,
Bill Blankmeyer



Hi Bill,
This is a newly metamorphosed Manduca sexta, the Tomato Hornworm or Tobacco Sphinx. Soon its wings will be strong enough for flight, and they are very powerful fliers.

Cerisy's Sphinxes Mating
(08/10/2005) large mating moths
Hi,
I found these two moths on the casing of my basement door. I thought they were leafs at first, once I realized they were moths I sure was shocked. They were on the jamb for at least 12 hours and left behind a good 50 eggs. Should I let them be or destroy them?   Thanks for having such an informative web site,
Toby Rapp
Portland, Oregon



Hi Toby,
Thanks for the compliment. Your mating moths are Cerisy's Sphinxes, Smerinthus cerisyi. They range from coast to coast in the northern US and Canada as well as south into the Rocky Mountains and Sierra Mountains. The caterpillar eats willow foilage and you might have a nearby tree. I'm sure your tree can sacrifice a few leaves for this beautiful moth.

Tersa Sphinx headshot
(08/09/2005) Sphinx or hawk moth?
My son recently found a caterpillar.  As any 6 year old boy knows, "caterpillars make the best pets, mom".  So we kept the caterpillar and it cocooned.  It has now hatched and we released it.  Could you please tell me what we had?  My son is very interested and wants to be able to tell his class.  Thank you.
Diana



Hi Diana,
Tersa Sphinxes, Xylophanes tersa, are either very plentiful this year or they are always around when there are cameras ready. We are getting both adult and caterpillar photos lately. Caterpillars love Penta.

Tersa Sphinx
(08/09/2005) I don't know what this is...
Can you identify this bug?  I have looked all over and still cannot find out what it is....this pic was taken in Bradenton, Fl. The bug was about an inch and a half long...and was reddish brown, with leaf like wings.   Thanks, Kris



Hi Kris,
We checked with Eric Eaton because the wings seemed disproportionately small, though we thought it looked like a Tersa Sphinx, Xylophanes tersa. Eric confirmed this identification.

British Poplar Hawkmoths Mating
(08/08/2005) Mating Moths
Hi
I took this picture one evening this summer.  Could be a good one for the 'love among the bugs' page... Are these more 'modest sphinxes'?
Paul Beadle
Devon, UK



Hi Paul,
Your Sphinxes are definitely immodest, and they are not Modest Sphinxes either. These are Poplar Hawkmoths, Laothoe populi. As might be expected, the larvae feed on poplar trees. When alarmed the moths reveal a red patch on the lower wings to frighten predators, as depicted in this image we located online.

Tersa Sphinx Metamorphosis
(08/03/2005) Tersa Sphinx?
Hi,
I followed this from caterpillar to chrysalis to moth. I wish I had taken some snaps of the caterpillar but I thought it might be a Palamedes Swallowtail (though it had a single horn that the swallowtail doesn't). I was pretty surprised at what came out. I think that I have identified it as a Tersa Sphinx. I live in northeast Florida.
Richard Kevin Sharbaugh



Hi Richard,
Your Tersa Sphinx, Xylophanes tersa, metamorphosis images are a welcome addition to our site. Here is a list of larval food plants from the USGS site: Smooth buttonplant (Spermacoce glabra), starclusters (Pentas species), Borreria, Catalpa, and Manettia species.

Sphinx: Proserpinus terlooii
(08/02/2005) Vega Sphinx Moth?
Good Day!
I found your site while trying to ID this pretty, VERY green sphinx moth, and think I found it thanks to your links, at:
http://www.npwrc.usgs.gov/resource/distr/lepid/moths/az/1098.htm
So, I wondered if you’d like to see my photo, since I don’t see this moth on your site. This photo is NOT colour-retouched – she really IS this colour! I’ve had lots of other “hummingbird sphinxes”, but this one is quite a bit smaller and I didn’t see her fly, so I’m glad she has that “ruffle” where the hind wings peek out or I’d not have known how to start searching. Although the “probable” egg host is evening primrose, those aren’t currently in bloom around my property (01aug05), so I hope she isn’t in a hurry to lay eggs – my potted tomato plant is full of “spots”, however, so maybe she is the culprit?  There are lots of ripe/rotting prickly pear fruits, so I wonder if she’s feeding on those…. Thank you SO much for your generous sharing of time and talent to create your website for the rest of us!   As many others have written, I only wish I’d known of your site years ago – would have saved me a lot of searching on many, many insects! I’m now off to see if I can put “names to faces” for many other photos I’ve currently got filed under “Mystery Insects”!
elo
Green Valley , AZ (between Tucson and Mexico )



Hi elo,
So sorry about the delay in responding to your lovely photo. Our mom arrived the day your letter did and it somehow got lost in the shuffle for a week. Your photo of the Vega Sphinx, Proserpinus vega, is much more beautiful than the mounted one in the link you provided, and we are proud to post it.

Ed. Note: (11/21/2005) We just got the following correction from Jim Tuttle.
I enjoy scrolling through your website periodically, and from a practical point of view I am always looking for interesting records, food plants, and range extensions for the Sphingidae, although I always take notes of the Saturniidae too. Good job, it is a useful tool for the nature lover or the frantic gardener. I casually noted two id's that need correcting. Vega Sphinx from Green Valley  8/2/2005 is actually Proserpinus terlooii. Keep up the good work!!
Regards,
Jim Tuttle

Big Poplar Sphinx
(07/28/2005) a cottonwood sphinx moth?
Greetings,
When coming back from lunch this afternoon, I happened to notice this moth on the wall just outside the building where I work in Northwest New Mexico . Is this a cottonwood sphinx? That’s what the local biologist said it was, but I cannot find any information on a “cottonwood” sphinx. The closest thing I found on the internet was the “big poplar” or the “modest” sphinx. Is the moth I found one of these? Thanks in advance, what a great site.
Nicole



Hi Nicole,
Some writers think that Pachysphinx modesta is a subspecies of Pachysphinx occidentalis, your Big Poplar Sphinx. Both species sometimes, depending upon the author, are called the Big Poplar Sphinx. Yours is the Western species. You can find it on this site.

Nessus Sphinx
(07/26/2005) nessus sphinx range
Hello! I was outside tonight in my backyard, and my mom and I saw this crazy bug! At first we thought it was a hummingbird because we had never seen anything like it, but then we started taking pictures of it and saw that it wasn't. I looked at your site and saw that it is a nessus sphinx, and I was wondering if they usually live down here. I saw the one sent in from outside Houston, TX, and I live outside of Houston too. Are they common down here?
Thanks!
Shelby



Hi Shelby,
The Nessus Sphinx, Amphion floridensis, ranges throughout the Eastern U.S. west to Texas and Colorado. For a detailed map of its range, check out this USGS site.

Big Poplar Sphinx
(07/26/2005) What's this moth
What a great site, thanks for being there. I live in N.W.corner of CT. and we are in the middle of the woods. This has been an exceptional year for bugs and I have been taking lots of pictures. Would you be able to help identify this moth?
Thanks in advance,
Lori Welles
The Ballyhack



Hi Lori,
It sure is a bumper crop year for insects. We are working overtime and are still way behind. This is a Big Poplar Sphinx, Pachysphinx modesta. It has one of the greatest wingspans of North American Hawkmoths.

Hummingbird Clearwing Moth
(07/24/2005) Hummingbird clearwing moth?
Based upon your website -- this looks like a hummingbird moth -- also spotted in Northern NJ.
Open & Jim Banks 



Hi Open and Jim,
You are absolutely correct. We have decided to remove the Dobsonfly from the top of our webpage and put your image since we are getting so much mail wanting this rapid flying beauty's name. Very few photos actually show detail in the wings. Good job.

Virginia Creeper Sphinx
(07/23/2005) a couple of photos and a moth ID
Hello
I wanted to let you know I love the site, and  have used it for many identification forays since we moved out to the country here in south central Kansas. I also wanted send you to the url for three of my recent photos. (they are larger than I like to send through E-mail) One is of a mating pair of robber flies, it was interesting to watch as the male will vibrate his wings while wiggling the females head with his front legs. One is a photo of a green moth I found on the front deck this last night and I would appreciate any help with the ID you could give me. The last if of a green grasshopper. I do not know the species, but considering the number of them again this year, the chickens will be getting quite fat.
Thanks again,
William Tong



Hi William,
Thank you so much for the great letter and photos. We are also very happy that you have used the site in the past. Quite frankly, we are getting a little tired of responding to desperate housewives with pantry beetles. Your green moth is a Virginia Creeper Sphinx, Darapsa myron. If you go to this USGS site, you might find it is not yet reported in your county. Perhaps you could report the siting. We are thrilled to have your Mating Robber Fly image for our brand new Love Among the Bugs page. Your grasshopper is immature and we do not recognize it.

Pandora Sphinx
(07/19/2005) What is it?
This was on a chrome bumper, or I wouldn't have seen it.  On a tree it wouldn't get a second look.  Any idea?
Thanks,
Tom Cassidy
Benton Harbor, MI



Hi Tom,
This is a Pandora Sphinx, Eumorpha pandorus, formerly the genus Pholus, and sometimes called the Satellite Sphinx. It is a beautiful olive green and pink moth that rarely flies after dark, preferring dusk to feed on flowers. The larvae feed on Virginia Creeper and grape and adults fly from June to August in the north and longer in the south.

Hummingbird Clearwing Moth
(07/19/2005) Moth identification
I captured this moth on film on the phlox on our deck.  Is this a Hummingbird Hawk Moth?
Thanks
Danny



Hi Danny,
Yes, this is one of the Hummingbird Clearwing Moths.

Big Poplar Sphinx
(07/18/2005) Big Poplar Sphinx
July 18, 2005
I came into work this morning and from the road, I could see this moth on the side of the building.  I went in for a closer look and was a little freaked out because I had never seen a moth of this size, at least not in Uncasville, Connecticut.  Anyhow, I grabbed my camera, snapped a few photos, and proceeded to your website where I found out exactly just what kind of moth this was.  Thanks for a great site!  Enjoy the photos!
Brianne Messer
Montville Youth Service Bureau
Uncasville, CT



Hi Brianne,
We are so happy with your photo and also that you actually used our site to research and not just ask a question.

Blinded Sphinx
(07/18/2005) unknown moth
This moth was on the side of my sister’s house about 30 miles north of Bangor , Maine . The pictures were taken on 7 July 2005 . I have tried and several are close but I’m not sure about a match.
Thank you,
John



Hi John,
This is a Blinded Sphinx, Paonias excaecatus.

Common Clearwing
(07/16/2005) Hummingbird Moth -- Hanover, MD
This moth was visiting my garden yesterday and I am trying to confirm what kind it is.  I really like your website, and I think that my moth is in the clearwing family, but didn't see any pictures that looked like mine.  The wings never stopped moving, and he flitted around just like a hummingbird.
Thanks, Susan Schmaltz



Hi Susan,
Nice photo of a Hummingbird Moth or Common Clearwing, Hemaris thysbe.

Elephant Hawkmoth
(07/11/2005) weird alien insect
As seen in my back garden today. Any idea what it is?
Alex
This was sent to me by a mate of mine, from the UK.  Would you be able to tell us what it is?
Duncan



Hi Duncan,
Tell your mate this is an Elephant Hawk-moth, Deilephila elpenor.

Mating Ash Spinxes
(07/12/2005) mating moths. Hi there…we live in Calgary Alberta Canada . This afternoon I found these two very large moths with there “tails” inside each other. I’m an Engineer and it only took a second to fiqure out what they were doing. They were in danger of meeting up with our dog so I carefully moved then to a shady corner. Never touched then or really disturbed them. They measure 70mm in length head to end…I guess. I have never seen moths this big in my life….WOW ! Can you tell me what kind they are and if they are frequent in this area of North America. Just amazing.
Thanks.
Chris H. Calgary.



Hi Chris,
We didn't recognize your Sphinx Moth species, so we contacted Eric Eaton. He quickly responded: "Actually, they ARE sphingids, the Great Ash Sphinx, Sphinx chersis to be exact.  They are apparently uncommon according to Covell's "Peterson Field Guide to Eastern Moths."  Nice find! Eric"

Vine Sphinx
(07/07/2005)
Dear Bugman,
My daughter's friend sent this to us.  The girls stumbled across this bug in Copper Canyon, Texas.  Do you know what this is? By the way, excellent site!!
Thank you!
Jo Gillett



Thanks for the compliment Jo. You have a photo of a Vine Sphinx, Eumorpha vitis. It is a Southern species found in Texas, Florida and points south, though it has been reported from Nebraska. Caterpillars feed on grape vine leaves.

Small Eyed Sphinx
(07/06/2005) I am attaching two photos of a moth that was taking advantage of shade on the side of my house on a very hot day.  Perhaps you can help identify it.  I suspect it is a species of sphinx moth.
Harvey



Hi Harvey,
Your sphinx is a Small Eyed Sphinx, Paonias myops. We located it on this North Prairie Wildlife Reserch Center site. The moth has a wide distribution.

Mating Modest Sphinxes
(07/03/2005) what is the name of the moth?
i hope you can help, i found these two moths mating on my garden and would like to know the name of them. could you help?
Thank you,
Lee



Hi Lee,
This has to be one of the most ironic postings we have ever had. Your photo is of a pair of mating Modest Sphinxes, Pachysphinx modesta. There is some confusion regarding the names here though. Our old Holland book lists the common name of Pachysphinx modesta as the Big Poplar Sphinx and a variety, Pachysphinx modesta occidentalis as the Western Poplar Sphinx. The USGS website Moths of North America calls P. modesta the Modest Sphinx and P. occidenatalis as the Big Poplar Sphinx. Our Audubon guide lists P. modesta as the Big Poplar Sphinx. We are going with the government site since we like that you have caught the Modest Sphinxes mating. Caterpillars of both species feed on cottonwood, aspen, poplar and willow. Adults do not feed. P. modesta is an eastern species and P. occidentalis is western.

White Lined or Striped Morning Sphinx
(07/03/2005) What is this
I saw these things all over at my work.  People say that they are hummingbirds but they look like a moth.  We only see them during the day and seem to go away at night.  I thought moths like the night more than the day.  I live and work in Douglas County, Nevada and no one has ever seen these before.  What are they and how come there are so many this year?  I think they are the most interesting creature or bug or whatever they are.
Thank you,
Sandy



Hi Sandy,
Because of the record breaking desert rains, the plant growth was lush. There was a population explosion of White Lined Sphinx or Striped Morning Sphinx, Hyles lineata, caterpillars and now we are seeing the day flying moths. They are sometimes called Hawkmoths or Hummingbird Moths.

Tobacco Sphinx	Waved Sphinx

Blinded Sphinx
(06/28/2005) Eyed Hawk Moth/Blinded Moth?
Hi there.
Found your wonderfully informative site while snooping for answers as to what this creature was.  Now I have book-marked it,  I love your site! This moth came into our home for a visit.  There were a few photos on the internet  that seemed to indicate that this was an "Eyed Hawk Moth", the similarities were close...................until I saw your site.  The Eyed Hawk Moth that is on your list, does not seem to match what we have, but I noticed another photo of the "Blinded Moth".  It seemed to match fairly close.  I did note that you referred to it as a Hawk Moth, as well.  What do you think?  We live about 100 miles north-east of Vancouver, B.C.  Two years ago there was a humming-bird-type of creature in our honeysuckle bush, in the evening.  Was too dark to see, but I'm fairly certain that this must be the same moth species as then.  Anyway, if you have the time to answer, that's great, but if not, I certainly understand.
Thanks for this site!
Eve



Hi Eve,
We think you did a great job of internet research and wholly agree with your assessment that this is a Blinded Sphinx, Paonias excaecatus. Your letter has caused us to do additional research and now we know we have been using an obsolete scientific name for this species. Here is a great site with more information on your moth.

Hummingbird Clearwing
(06/27/2005) Weirdest bug I've ever seen!
Hi,
Attached are a few high resolution pictures that I took at my friend's house in Southern Illinois on Saturday, June 25th.  As you can see in the pictures, the flying thing stayed close to the petunias and hovered just like a hummingbird does, flapping it's wings very quickly, making them a blur (but it was NOT a hummingbird).  The body of it was as big as my thumb, and it had black antannaes and a weird "tail"--kind of like a shrimp.  It was also very silent--not buzzing like a bee or a wasp. I'd love to know what the heck this is, just to satisfy my curiousity.  Thanks for any info you can provide!
-Sara



Hi Sara,
We've been getting numerous photos recently of Hummingbird Moth, and the species most often confused with the hummingbird is the Common Clearwing, Hemaris thysbe, one of the Sphinx or Hawkmoths.

Nessus Sphinx
(06/26/2005) hummingbird moth...
but i cant seem to find an exact match for it, can you help? this was taken outside of houston, texas on june 25, 2005..... thanks!
david gibson



Hi David,
Your Hummingbird Moth is most definitely a Nessus Sphinx, Amphion nessus. It is readily distinguised because of the two white horizontal bands on the abdomen as well as the tuft at the abdominal tip. It flies during the day on cloudy days and in the late afternoon. The caterpillar feeds on wild grape. We thought the other Hummingbird Moth image that arrived today was a Nessus Sphinx as well, but the markings were not as obvious as in your photo.

Hummingbird Moth
(06/26/2005) flying humingbird like insect
Hello Mr. Bugman,
Enjoy your website. I saw this interesting insect several weeks ago and was happy to see it again when I had my camera in hand. At first I thought this insect was a small humming bird, but when I looked at it closer I realized it was an insect.  It hovers and moves in a similar manner as a hummingbird. Any ideas about what this insect might be?  I have some other closeups if you need them.
Regards,
Douglas Ayres



Hi Douglas,
This is one of the day flying sphinx moths, Family Sphingidae, known collectively as Hummingbird Moths.

Rustic Sphinx
(06/22/2005) What is THIS bug.
Large moth. Cave Creek, Arizona. About 4'' in length.
Evan



Hi Evan,
Your moth is a member of the Hawkmoth Family Sphingidae known as the Rustic Sphinx, Manduca rustica. The caterpillar feeds on a variety of plants including Fringe tree (Chionanthus virginicus) and jasmine (Jasminum species) in the olive family (Oleaceae), bushy matgrass (Lippia alba) in the vervain family (Verbenaceae), knockaway (Ehretia anacua) in the borage family (Boraginaceae), and Bignonia species in the Bignoniaceae. Adults take nectar at night from moonflowers, petunias and other deep throated flowers.

Striped Morning Sphinx
(06/22/2006) Took this picture in AJO Arizona.
Alma Jo



Thanks for the photo of the Striped Morning Sphinx, Hyles lineata, Alma Jo.

Achemon sphinx
(06/20/2005) Sphinx moth??
Hello,
We found a large chrysalis (3" long) in the wood mulch in my back yard in Fort Collins, CO two weeks ago.  We brought it indoors where it laid for two weeks in my five-year-old daughter's butterfly habitat.  Yesterday, this moth emerged (just when we'd about given up hope that it was actually alive) and tonight we released it where it was found.  We're certain that it is some sort of sphinx moth, but we're not sure what kind.   We're hopeful that you will tell us it is not going to lay eggs on our nearby tomato plants! The moth's wingspan is 2.5-3 inches, and when it flies, you can see pink beneath the wings.  Thanks for your great website and for your help in identifying our lovely friend!
Sheryl Highsmith (and daughter Sydney)



Hi Sydney and Sheryl,
Your tomato plants are safe, but the grape vines might be in danger. You hatched an Achemon Sphinx, Eumorpha achemon. Here is a link to a page with additinal information.

Elephant Hawk-Moth from Ireland
(06/19/2005) Moth or What?
Hi
  Saw this today in Co Kildare, Ireland.  Found your site while trying to identify. Can you save me the bother of further searches?  Nearest description I can find is for a Hook-tip Moth.  
Best Regards
  Ray Stewart



Hi Ray,
Though we did not recognize your species, we quickly located the Elephant Hawk-moth, Deilephila elpenor, with a google search. Your moth is quite beautiful. Here is a site with more photos.

Huckleberry Sphinx	Polyphemus Moth

Striped Morning Sphinx
(06/12/2005) identification of a moth
Can you please tell me what this moth is. It and many others were feeding at my honeysuckle bush one evening. The sound like and are about the same size as a hummingbird. I found one on your website that was similar. Is it a striped morning sphinx? Can you tell me anything about them ie. are they a pest or a friend to the garden?
Thanks, W. McCoy
Vernon, BC Canada



Hi W. McCoy
You are absolutely correct in the Striped Morning Sphinx identification. They are beneficial for pollination purposes. If the larvae get too numerous, they can do some temporary damage to plants by eating leaves. I just let the larvae feed on my fuschia leaves so I can benefit from the moths later.

Cerisy's Sphinx
(05/11/2005) Hawk -eyed Moth
Hi there,
My roomate captured this big moth that was hanging in our doorway and she put it on the picnic table to get these pictures. It is about 4 inches wide with the wings spread out and we think it's a Hawk-eyed Moth.  I have been searching on the Internet to find out where they are common, with not much luck. The little bits of info. I found is that these are common in Europe and parts of Asia! We are from Cloverdale, British Columbia, Canada (about 40 kilometres outside of Vancouver B.C.). We've never seen one of these before and wonder where it came from.... I think your website is only for people in the States, but I hope you can help us get a little more info. on this beautiful creature.
Thank-you kindly
Allison
Cloverdale, B.C.



Hi Allison,
Even though there is a border between our countries, insects tend to ignore it and we share many of the same species, including Cerisy's Sphinx, Smerinthus cerisyi. It ranges from coast to coast in the northern US and Canada as well as south into the Rocky Mountains and Sierra Mountains. The caterpillar eats willow foilage and adults fly in May and June, so your specimen is right on time. Thanks for the beautiful photo.

Satellite Sphinx
(05/08/2005) What moth is this??
I was outside yesterday doing some stuff, when a leaf fell on me...well...I thought it was a leaf...I tried brushing it off of my flower decorated pants...it didn't budge...still thinking this was a leaf, I picked it up, and realized within a mili-second that this was no ordinary leaf!! I am surprised that none of you heard the scream sent round the world...it was slimey and I have NO idea what this thing was...it looked like it was wearing military camouflage which is probably why it was attracted to my pants...trying to blend in, the slimy little bugger!! After coming into the house, shaking my hand, and going 'ew ew ew ew ew ew ew' the whole time, poor Jim got another earful about Florida bugs, and how in Philly bugs did NOT dress up in military fatigues to fool people like me~ I never had a prob with bugs...but I think the ones down here must've attatched themselves to the space shuttle when they were flying around in space, and fell off over Jacksonville! ACK!! It's not a butterfly..it looks more like a Navy jet fighter!
Here's some pics of this lovely creature..(NOT).. Do you  have ANY idea what this thing is??
Valarie Weigle



Hi Valarie
We are so sorry you were traumatized by your encounter with a Satellite Sphinx, Pholus satellitia, a color variation of the Pandora Sphinx. According to Holland: "This insect which is widely distributed throughout the eastern United States, and ranges northward into southern Canada, is well-known to all growers of vines." The caterpillar, a hornworm, can do damage to the vineyard. I have no idea what the origin of the common name Satellite Sphinx refers to, but I like your theory about being dropped from space.

Oleander Sphinx
(03/09/2005) Sphinx moth question
Dear Bug Man:
I've attached a photo of a sphinx moth found in Egypt and my friend is wondering what kind it is.  He thinks it's an oleander sphinx moth but would like confirmation.  Can you help?  Many thanks.
Pam H.
Williston, FL



Hi Pam,
Yes, you have a photo of the Oleander Sphinx, Deilephila [Daphnis] nerii, which ranges quite far where oleander grows. Our other posting came from Hawaii and that image almost looks color enhanced. Your photo is much more natural.

Nessus Sphinx
(03/07/2005) Thank You!
I've was beginning to think no one knew what kind of Sphinx moth this is.  Thank you. The time stamp on the photo says it was taken at 4:27 p.m.; it was actually taken at 3:27 p.m., March 6th.  In order to get a clear photo I had to use the flash.  Hence, the wings aren't transparent as they are in other photos I've taken of this critter. The photo was taken 7 miles north of Lake Wales, Florida which is roughly in the center of the state.  So the range is greater than previously thought to be.
Great website!
Joyce Gelnaw



Hi Joyce,
Thank you for the compliments. Your Sphinx Moth is not one of the Hummingbird Clearwings, but rather the Nessus Sphinx, Amphion floridensis, formerly Amphion nessus. It ranges from Canada to Florida and west to Texas. The moth commonly flies during the day. Its markings, including the stripes on the abdomen, are quite distinctive. You can get more information on the silkmoths.bizland site.

Ficus Sphinx
(03/04/2005) Matt's moth
I'm a member of our local 4-H entomology club. Recently, while in Yucatan, Mexico, we captured this moth. Our leader says it's probably in the hawk moth family but key out came to a dead-end there. He suggested we contact you to solve this mystery. Could you please help us identify this insect? (attaching didg. photo; windows asked if we wanted the photo made smaller so it would be sent quicker and be easier for our recipient to view. We chose to shrink it. Did we do the right thing?) Thank you,
Matt Watson & dad.
Yuma, AZ



Hi Matt and Dad,
Your moth is one of the Hawk or Sphinx Moths, Family Sphingidae. More specifically it is the Ficus Sphinx, Pachylia ficus. It is a large moth that is very common in Central and South America where it's amazingly large and beautiful caterpillar feeds on the leaves of Ficus Trees. Check out the caterpillar on our caterpillar page. The species is occasionally found in Texas and Florida.

Pacific Green Sphinx
(02/02/2005) Now, for something a little different...!
Hi there, once again!  Usually I'm sending you various odd bugs for ID but this time it's a moth.  I found this beautiful moth on my porch yesterday.  Check out the green heart shapes on his wings -- just in time for Valentine's Day!  I cannot find anything remotely like it anywhere in my internet searches.  He's rather on the large side, with much fuzz around his head and purple-ish shades under the green hearts of his wings.  I nearly abandoned hope of finding an ID when I realized you have a "moths" page!  I would be so honored to have a name for my lovely visitor!  Thanks for all the hard work you do on your fantastic site!
Michelle Mahood
Shingletown, California



Hi Michelle,
We always love getting photos from you. Your beautiful moth is the Pacific Green Sphinx or Bear Sphinx, Arctonotus lucidus. It ranges along the Pacific coast, from southern California to British Colombia. It flies in the very early in the year, appearing from January to March. The caterpillar feeds on Evening Primrose. Here is a link to a site silkmoths.bizland that has more images including the complete metamorphosis.

Thank you SO much!!! No wonder I couldn't find it; a Google image search turns up only three images of the Pacific Green Sphinx! I feel I've been treated to a rare and lovely sight and feel quite lucky to have run across him. If you're ever looking for pictures of macroinvertebrates of the type trout enjoy, I have an album of such creatures at http://www.pbase.com/michellemahood/galleries -- when not photographing crawling and flying creatures I am a flyfishing fanatic! Thanks again for your prompt and right-on ID...
Sincerely,
Michelle Mahood

Unidentified Hawaiian Sphinx Moth
(01/15/2005) a Hummingbird moth?? on O'ahu
I photographed this moth on my lanai yesterday and would like some help to identify it.  Thanks
Patricia



Hi Patricia,
Sadly, your moth was moving too quickly for us to be able to give you more than a general identification. It is a Sphinx Moth or Hummingbird Moth of some species. There is a great site that might help you identify your Hawaiian Sphinx. Sphinx Moths enjoy a worldwide distribution.

Striped Morning Sphinx
(12/21/2004) Alien Moth
Hi Daniel!
Now I know I must be overloading you with all my bug pictures, but I have one more unidentified bug for you!  We spotted this humming bird like moth in the fall just outside of Las Vegas... I haven't been able to find any info on it yet... Is it a moth?  It sure is pretty...
Thank you again for your amazing site... I LOVE checking out all the pictures and everybody's crazy bug stories... especially that lady with the bugs and snakes in Mexico... so funny!... and what a cute gecko! =)
Best wishes,
Leah Balecha
Hollywood CA



Hi again Leah,
Your moth is a Striped Morning Sphinx or White-Lined Sphinx Moth, Hylas lineata. It is a very common Hawkmoth or Hummingbird Moth with a huge range in the new world. It is probably found in the old world as well, as in introduction. The caterpillars are Sphinx caterpillars with a caudal horn and they eat a wide range of plants, being particularly fond of fuschias. Adults are often seen flying in the day when it is cloudy, but more commonly at dusk and dawn. I used to see large numbers on the walls in the open hallways at USC when I taught there.

Unidentified Black Hornworm and Hummingbird Clearwing Moth
(09/09/2004) black caterpillar with a red horn
We saw this caterpillar along side the road in British Columbia. I went through most of the sites that you've linked to on your page, but I think this guy's out of range for those sites.
Any ideas?
Thanks!
Lea Ann
p.s., I also included a pretty clear picture of what I think is a Common Clear-Wing Moth... (Taken in Mayo, Yukon)



Hi Lea Ann,
WE have been trying unsuccessfully to properly identify your unknown black sphinx caterpillar with the red horn. We will continue to try. Your Hummingbird Clearwing Moth is a welcome addition to our site as well.

Striped Morning Sphinx and Hubbard's Silkmoth
(09/09/2004) moths
Hello, I caught these moths outside my home in Tucson Arizona and i was wondering if you could identify one, the other I know is a  white- striped sphinx moth.  Thank you, Jossy
( The pins are because they are apart of aninsect collection, 521 and 526 are the sphinx moth, 527 and 523 are the unknown moth Thanks!)



Hi Jossy,
Your sphinx is a Striped Morning Sphinx or White-Lined Sphinx as you supposed. Your unknown moth is Leptarctia californiae, though that name may be obsolete. It is a highly variable species found in Southern California.

Corrections
(11/10/2004)
I happened upon your site and noted a few errors that should be corrected. I only dealt with the Giant Silkmoths (Saturniidae) and Hawkmoths (Sphingidae) for which I have written textbooks and am intimately familiar. The corrections are as follows:       In the photo dated September 9, 2004 labeled moths ­ the moth with the gray forewings and pinkish hindwings is Sphingicampa hubbardi (Hubbard’s silkmoth)   I hope this helps….   Regards,  
Jim Tuttle

Snowberry Clearwing Moth, Summer Form
(09/02/2004) what is this bug
I have attached pics of a flying insect of some sort? Do you
have any clue what it is?
Doug



Hi Doug,
Thanks for the photo of the summer form of the Snowberry Clearwing Moth, Haemorrhagia axillaris, one of the day flying sphinx moths known collectively as Hummingbird Moths. The species is trimorphic, meaning there are three color forms. Your specimen shows the pronounced yellow band on the abdomen.

Hummingbird Clearwing Moth
(08/12/2004)
I think that this is another hummingbird clearwing moth.  If not, let me know.  Thought you might like to have this pic. Thanks,
Carol



Hi Carol,
Thanks for the photo. It appears to be a Hummingbird Clearwing Moth, Haemorrhagia thysbe, but it is impossibl to be sure from your photograph. It might be a closely related species.

This pic shows a different angle of the same bug. Maybe it will help to identify it.
Carol



Our best guess is Haemorrhagia axillaris, the summer form of the Snowberry Clearwing.

Pandora Sphinx
(08/02/2004) large moth
Hello,
The moth pictured below was found on a neighbors driveway in Wisconsin. It was large about 3" across the wings. I have never seen a moth like this before. The moth didn't want to fly but it would crawl on your finger then it crawled on to this lilac bush. The legs looked like twigs. This is our only digital picture we have better print pictures if needed. The moth was gone the next day. Thank you in advance - I have looked through some books and thought it might be an  Oleander Hawk Moth but it seems to be out of its range.
matt



Yes, Matt,
You are out of the range of the Oleander Hawk Moth. Your photo is of a Pandora Sphinx, a color variation of the Satellite Sphinx. We just got a photo of the caterpillar which is currently on our homepage as well as our caterpillar page. We would love to get a sharper photo if you have one.

Hummingbird Clearwing Moth
(08/02/2004)
Please help to specifically identify what I'm assuming is a type of hummingbird or sphinx moth (as gathered from other pictures I viewed on your site). What caught my eye was its striking color.  It seemed to be just resting on a leaf of my ''Lady Baltimore" hibiscus. The picture was taken 7-16-04, central Ohio.
Thank you,
Jane



Hi Jane,
Yes, you have photographed a Hummingbird Clearwing Moth from the genus Hemaris, formerly Haemorrhagia. It is difficult to give you an exact species based on your photograph, though H. thysbe, form cimbiciformis, the Hummingbird Clearwing, is the largest and commonest species in the genus. It ranges from Canada southward to Florida and westward to Mississippi.

Big Poplar Sphinx
(07/08/2004)
Hi,
I saw this guy last night after a big storm he seems to have weathered by hanging onto my dogs lead. I saw the picture of the Blinded Sphynx that you had on your website and thought this could possibly be the same species? The picture was taken in Richland, NY, near the salmon river.
Thanks,
Ed Cogan



Hi Ed,
Your photos of the Big Poplar Sphinx, Pachysphinx modesta are gorgeous.  These are way, way bigger than the blinded sphinx. Thanks again for contributing to our site.

Blinded Sphinx
(07/07/2004) What is this thing???
Hello!
I was outside this evening and noticed a rather ominous looking creature on the side of my garage.  Can you tell me what it is?  Looks like a Stealth fighter, don't you think??
Thanks!
Kelly Y



Hi Kelly,
Beautiful moth. It is a Blinded Sphinx, Calasymbolus excaecatus. The caterpillar feeds on willow, Hazel and other similar plants. The moth is relatively common in Pennsylvania, and ranges from southern Canada to Florida, and west to the Mississippi River. Sphinx Moths, also called Hawk Moths, are very strong fliers, so your comment about the stealth bomber is on the mark. Thanks again for a beautiful photograph.

Nessus Sphinx
(07/07/2004)
It was so good to find your website with answers to what this little creature is.  I couldn't open up all the pictures of the spinx moths you featured but it gave me a good idea that it is indeed what I saw. Like others, I first thought this was a hummingbird because of its long tube that was sucking nectar and fast little wings.  But, it looked more like a bumblebee and was only one inch in size.   I live in NJ and saw this in June.  Any chance you can confirm for me that this is a spinx moth? 
Thanks. Linda G



Hi Linda,
It looks to me like a Nessus Sphinx, Amphion nessus. The indicating features are the small head, and plump body. Also the two white stripes on the abdomen and the tuft at the tip. According to Holland: "It ranges from Canada to Georgia and westward to Wyoming. It flies in the daytime on cloudy days and in the late afternoon before sunset. The caterpillar feeds on Ampelopsis and the wild grape."

Lesser Vine Sphinx
(07/06/2004)
I found this moth this afternoon on the house near the azalea bushes.  I'm afraid I wasn't able to hold the camera absolutely steady, but I think you can still see most of the detail. We live outside of Savannah, GA in Pooler.  The body measures 3 inches as do the wings across the widest point - at the bottom.  It looks similar to the unidentified hawkmoth on your page.  I have also had what I think are some tomato hornworms on my tomato plants. Thank you for any information you may be able to provide.  Your website is fascinating.  We have a lot of interesting bugs around here, so when I see others that look unusual, I will send you more photos.
Celeste



Hi Celeste,
You have sent in a photo of a Lesser Vine Sphinx, Eumorpha fasciatus. Jim Tuttle has just brought this correction to our attention. The moth is common in the Gulf States and southward, but is sometimes reported from as far north as Massachusetts.

Oleander Hawk Moth
(07/04/2004) Pretty Pretty
Hi! Great site! I live in Kona, Hawaii and I love moths. We have gorgeous black witches everywhere. But the other day, we came home and found a moth on our driveway!!! I have never seen it before and I have checked through my moth books and can't seem to find it. Can you tell me what it is and if it is native to Hawaii? I have been here 13 years and NEVER seen one! Thanks!
Tracee

I just emailed you, I forgot to tell you it's stats! It was about the size of my palm (which I have a photo fo too I think, I will attach it). It was a very vibrant green with whites, rose, and purple. It was very fuzzy and it let me pick it up on it's leaf. It had eye's at the top of the wings (you can see them kinda in the other photo I sent).



Hi Tracee,
You have sent in a photograph of Deilephila [Daphnis] nerii, the Oleander Hawk Moth. It feeds on oleander as well as periwinkle. Here is a site that identifies Hawaiian Hawk Moths. The Oleander Sphinx is also reported in Great Britain, where it strays occasionally from the Mediterranean. It is also reported in Hong Kong and Africa.

Satellite Sphinx
(07/05/2004) Looked like a leaf
Found this bug sitting on the side of our building. At first, I just thought it was a leaf. Then I realized it wasn't . Very nice disguise. Hope the pictures are clear enough to identify it.
Ellen Bouse



Hi Ellen,
The Satellite Sphinx, Pholus satellitia, has a form Pholus pandorus, which is your moth. According to Holland: "This insect which is widely distributed throughout the eastern United States, and ranges northward into southern Canada, is well-known to all growers of vines." The caterpillar, a hornworm, can do damage to the vineyard.

Big Poplar Sphinx
(07/02/2004) Hi,
I'm hoping you can tell me what this is…I live in Central Wisconsin and it was right by my door in the early evening last night - scared me to death! It seemed to be about 4 inches wide by 3 inches long. Do I need to be afraid?
Any help is appreciated.
Thanks, Rebecca



Don't be afraid Rebecca.
You have been visited by a Big Poplar Sphinx, Pachysphinx modesta. It is something of a special case, since it is the only member of its genus, though there is a second variety, Pachysphinx modesta occidentalis which lives in the far west and is lighter in color. The moth is a member of the Hawkmoth family, Sphingidae. The moth ranges over much of the U.S. and as far south as Northern Mexico. The caterpillars feed on poplar and willow.

Hi Daniel,
Thanks for your quick response. I've never seen a moth that big! Without the wings spread I wasn't sure what it was - I was just hoping it wasn't some kind of bat. I was looking at the website - Moths of North America - and then selected Wisconsin and the Sphingidae family to see if I could find the Big Poplar Sphinx and it's not there. I tried finding it before emailing you but didn't know where to begin. Any idea why it's not listed? How common is it to see one of these moths? I love your site and since I just moved to 3 acres in the country I will be coming back often.   Thanks for all your help.
Rebecca

Unidentified French Hawkmoth
(07/02/2004) Rare Moth, or travelled from North Africa?
I enclose photos of a 'bug' which arrived at my house yesterday, 01/07/04, in Finistere, North France. Nobody around here has ever seen anything like it. It measures 4 cm long by 5 cm across the wings. The colouring is pink and khaki. It also seems to have a barb at its rear end. Photos taken in a Jam Jar. Any ideas??
Roland Langridge



Hi Roland,
The jam jar makes the moth difficult to see, and my moth guide does not include European species, so I cannot give you a positive identification. I can tell you it is a Hawkmoth, a member of the Family Sphingidae. The family has a worldwide distribution, and some species are quite common. It is a relative of the Tomato Hornworm, that large green caterpillar hated by home gardeners.

Azalea Sphinx
(07/01/2004) Two moths
Hello,
I am a college student at York College of PA in central Pennsylvania, not far from the Maryland border.  I am currently working at the college for the summer, and yesterday I saw something very strange when I was outside on my lunch break.  Two moths like none I've ever seen before were just sitting around on the concrete right near each other, but they were two very different-looking species.  They were about the same size (two inches across), but one was white with black spots and the other was army green with orange on the insides of his wings.  I was worried about them, so I tried to move them into the grass for safety's sake.  The white and black moth went into the grass willingly, but the green one flew around and I didn't try to catch it.  Today I ate my lunch in the same spot, and although the white and black moth was gone, the green one was still around- all day.  Today after work, I gently packaged him up and brought him home so I could take some pictures, which I have sent to you.
I am worried about the green moth.  He's been very lethargic, even when I was handling him, and he is currently downstairs on my porch in the same spot I placed him when I brought him home. I wish I could have gotten a picture of the other moth.  He looked very similar to the Eyed Tiger Moth on your site... I'm about 75% sure that's what he was. However, isn't it strange to see one in central Pennsylvania? Anyway, this brings me to my two big questions.  First, can you tell me what type of moth is in the pictures I have sent you?  I can't seem to figure it out and I've looked everywhere.  Second, and more importantly, do you have any idea what these two little guys would be doing hanging out TOGETHER on pavement in the middle of the day in central PA?  It just seemed so strange and unnatural to see them in this way.  Is it common to see something like this, or could they have been, like, specimens that escaped from somewhere?
Eliza



Hi Eliza,
Your letter is so sweet. First question is your olive drab moth. It is an Azalea Sphinx, Darapsa pholus, and is quite common in Pennsylvania. The caterpillar feeds on viburnum and azalea. Regarding the other moth. It sounds like some type of Tiger Moth. The Eyed Tiger Moth, Ecpantheria deflorata, is rare in New England, but ranges south from there. It is common in the Carolinas. Pennsylvania is part of their normal range. The two moths may have been attracted to a nearby light and just found themselves on the sidewalk at dawn. Moths are not long lived, and your Azalea Sphinx may have just been nearing the end of a long, for an insect, life.

Thank you so much!  Good news about greenie though- he was flying around last night and I hope to see him gone this morning.
Eliza

Hi Dorothy,
Your photo shows a moth from the genus Haemorrhagia, possibly H. axillaris, known as the Snowberry Clearwing, or H. thetis which is reported to range from Colorado and Wyoming west and north to Oregon and British Columbia. These moths belong to the Family Sphingidae, or Hawk Moths, also called Sphinx Moths. The clearwings are a day flying group.

Nessus Sphinx
(04/10/2004) Hummingbird Moth
When we first spotted this moth, we thought we were watching a baby hummingbird.   I was curious about the legs and antennae and started doing some research.   I still have not been able to locate a species that matches this one yet.   Perhaps you can help identify. Moth was photographed feeding on creeping phlox in Granite Falls , North Carolina.
Thanks,
Greg Good



Dear Greg Good,
It looks to me like a Nessus Sphinx, Amphion nessus. The indicating features are the small head, and plump body. Also the two white stripes on the abdomen and the tuft at the tip. According to Holland: "It ranges from Canada to Georgia and westward to Wyoming. It flies in the daytime on cloudy days and in the late afternoon before sunset. The caterpillar feeds on Ampelopsis and the wild grape."

Pink Spotted Hawkmoth
(10/10/2003)
Perhaps you can add this photo to your collection I have another full-back view if you would like for me to send it. I'm hoping to take a photo of a sphinx caterpillar some day. This moth visits my Ginger lilies each fall. I live in Jacksonville, NC.
Peg

Dear Peg,
Thank you for the beautiful photo of a Pink-spotted hawkmoth (Agrius cingulata [Fabricius]) . The caterpillars feed on jimson weed and sweet potato as well as related plants. Try looking for them there. Good luck.

(02/18/2004) Hummingbird Moth?
Yesterday, I spotted what i thought was a hummingbird around my jasmine tree. Upon closer inspection it appeared to be a moth. The most identifiable featurewas it's extremely bright solid orange wings. It's body was a blueish purple color with some white markings. I have not been able to identify it on any websites. I will have my camera ready tomorrow. Thank you for your help. I live in South Florida.
Jim Harhart

Dear Jim,
We would love to have that photo if possible. I'm guessing a member of the genus Errinyis, with many members living in Florida. Their upper wings are usually grey, but the lower wings are bright orange. The bodies are often marked with white. My best guess is Errinyis ello. Its caterpillars feed on guava, poinsettia, myrtle and other plants. Here is an image I located online.

(8/6/2003) Hi Bugman,
I'm hoping you can help me identify this insect. My mom planted butterfly bushes this year, and as soon they bloomed we have noticed this cute character coming to feed from the blossoms, with the butterflies. There seems to only be one of them. At least we only see one at a time. I'm attaching a pic , and can send you a couple different views if you need them It hovers, kind of like a hummingbird over the flowers. We thought it was a baby hummingbird, until we got closer to it and seen that it had antennea. Could you please help us identify him?? or her??.
thanks,
tammy d

Dear Tammy,
It is a Hummingbird Clearwing Moth, Hemaris thysbe, a type of Sphinx Moth.  They are attracted to butterfly bush and are day flying moths often mistaken for hummingbirds or bees.  Thank you for the great photo.  We have received several letters but never an image.

Dear Elaine,
It is a Hummingbird Clearwing Moth, Hemaris thysbe, a type of Sphinx Moth.  It might also be the Snowberry Clearwing, a close relative.  They are attracted to butterfly bush and are day flying moths often mistaken for hummingbirds or bees.

Large flying orange bug - new to my yard

(7/21/2003)
I'm in Sacramento, CA and saw a bug I've never seen before in the almost 40 years I've lived here.  At first I thought it was a bumblebee, it was about the size of an overgrown bumblebee.  It was orange-red however and from about 8 feet away it didn't appear that it was a bumblebee covered in pollen.  The orange-red color seemed to be its own.  What was also different than a bumble
is that it flew smoothly, not the kind of haphazard way bumbles fly like they're out of control.  The wings were transparent and just behind the head.  His body appeared heavy.  He wasn't shiny, he was fuzzy or hairy.  The back portion of his body was large and elongated, and hung from his head in the shape of a comma.  I'd estimate his body size to be about 1-1/2 inches long, and a good 1/2 inch wide.  He didn't seem to have any trouble flying, but he wasn't super fast.  It was about 8:00 pm in late July, and it was hovering around apple tree shoots coming from the old stump in my yard.  I only wish I had a picture to show you.  Any idea what it is?  Thanks for your time.
Dawn

Dear Dawn,
My guess is a Sphinx Moth, maybe the Snowberry Clearwing Moth, (Hemaris diffinis) which is sometimes called a Bumble Bee Moth.  This image is of a preserved specimen,
and the colors appear faded.

Dear J&C&D,
Sphinx Moths are often called Hummingbird Moths.  There are many species in the family Sphingidae, including the Tobacco Sphinx, Manduca sexta, or Tomato Hornworm, the dreaded green worm that eats tomato plants.  The Tobacco Sphinx is yellow and greyish brown on the body with greyish wings.  the wingspan can reach nearly 4 1/2 inches. There is also a group of genuses known as the hummingbird clearwings.