Sphinx moth pupae are an intriguing stage in the life cycle of these fascinating creatures. As you learn more about them, you’ll discover the unique characteristics that set them apart from other types of moth pupae.
During their transformation from caterpillar to full-grown moth, sphinx moth pupae exhibit fascinating behaviors worth observing. In this article, you’ll delve into the world of these remarkable insects and uncover the secrets behind their development. Understanding the life stages of the sphinx moth can help you appreciate the beauty and complexity of their entire life cycle.
For your backyard garden or simply as an enthusiast, having a deeper appreciation for these moths can enrich your understanding of how nature works. So, let’s take a closer look at the sphinx moth pupa and what you need to know about them.
Understanding Sphinx Moth Pupa
Sphinx moth pupa is a fascinating stage in the life cycle of these intriguing insects. To better appreciate the pupal stage, let’s dive into some key details.
The development of the sphinx moth involves complete metamorphosis, transitioning through egg, larva, pupa, and adult stages. During the pupal stage, the transformation happens inside a protective cocoon. This is when the larva, also known as a hornworm, sheds its exoskeleton and becomes a pupa.
Depending on the species, the pupa may be found in a simple cocoon or a more elaborate structure. The environment plays a crucial role in the successful development of the pupa. They may be buried in soil or found among leaf litter, depending on the species’ habitat preferences.
Throughout the pupal stage, the moth is undergoing a remarkable transformation. The larval body breaks down and reorganizes into the adult moth, gaining wings and other features essential for its adult life.
You may be curious about the process of pupating. It’s a delicate, intricate process that the larva initiates when it has reached its last instar, or larval stage. Sensing the right time and environment, the larva will spin its protective cocoon, enter it and begin the metamorphosis.
Keep in mind that the duration of the pupal stage varies among species and environmental factors such as temperature and humidity. Some sphinx moth pupae may even overwinter, emerging as adults only when conditions are favorable.
In conclusion, the sphinx moth pupa is a crucial stage in the life cycle of these unique insects. During this time, the moth is undergoing incredible transformations to become the fascinating adult that it eventually emerges as. To gain a deeper appreciation for these marvelous creatures, understanding the pupal stage is essential.
Sphinx Moths: Types and Identification
Sphinx moths, also known as hawk moths or hummingbird moths, are a fascinating group of insects with various species and unique characteristics. Identifying these moths can seem challenging, but with some knowledge of their features, you can become more familiar with these beautiful creatures.
The first thing to notice about sphinx moths is their size and body shape. They are usually large, heavy-bodied insects with a pointed, long abdomen. Their wingspan can range from 2½ to 3½ inches, making them easily recognizable. The wings themselves are often long and triangular with unique markings that can help identify different species.
For instance, the White-lined Sphinx Moth (Hyles lineata) features six white stripes on its furry brown body, paired with an olive brown forewing that sports a broad tan band crossed by a series of dark lines. On the other hand, some less common species like the Tomato Hornworm and Willow Hornworm display color patterns of pink, brown, white, and black.
Sphinx moth adults have several features that can assist in identification:
- Color: Observe the moth’s body and wing colors, which may vary between species.
- Markings: Unique patterns or lines on the wings or body can help identify individual species.
- Wings: Pay attention to the shape, size, and margins of the wings – some may have irregular or angled edges.
- Head: Notice the placement and shape of the head, which can differentiate certain species.
- Body: Examine the size, shape, and any distinctive features on the moth’s body.
When trying to identify a sphinx moth, it’s helpful to compare its characteristics to those of known species. You can use resources such as field guides, websites, or even ask experts for assistance. Remember, the world of sphinx moths is vast and intriguing, so enjoy the process of discovering and learning more about these fascinating insects.
Life Cycle of Sphinx Moths
From Egg to Caterpillar
You might be curious about the life cycle of sphinx moths. It all starts with the eggs, which are laid by the female moths on host plants that caterpillars prefer to eat. These eggs will then hatch into caterpillars, which are also known as sphinx moth caterpillars or hornworms. They have an incredible appetite and will eat voraciously to grow and develop.
Sphinx Moth Caterpillar to Pupa
As the caterpillars grow, they will reach a stage where they will pupate and form a protective casing called the pupa. The sphinx moth pupa is typically found in the soil near the host plant. They will remain in the pupal stage as they transform from a caterpillar to an adult moth.
From Pupa to Adult
Once fully transformed, the adult sphinx moth will break free from the pupal casing and emerge as a fully grown moth. Sphinx moths, being nocturnal fliers and night-flyers, are most active at dusk. They are known for their unique ability to hover near flowers and feed on nectar using their long proboscis.
Sphinx Moth Mating and Reproduction
When it comes to mating, adult moths use pheromones to attract a mate. Female sphinx moths release these chemicals into the air to signal males. After mating, females will lay their eggs on suitable host plants where the next generation of caterpillars will grow and develop.
Hibernation and Overwintering
Some species of sphinx moths overwinter, or hibernate, as pupae in the ground. This ensures their survival and emergence as adults the following spring or summer, depending on the specific species. Overwintering is a crucial stage of the life cycle, as it allows the population to persist through the colder months.
Sphinx Moth Pests
Certain species of sphinx moths, such as the tomato hornworm, are known pests of tomato and potato plants in gardens across the United States, North America, and Southern Canada. While these caterpillars can cause damage to plants, it is important to keep in mind the role they play in their environment.
Sphinx Moths and Their Environment
Sphinx moths are essential pollinators in their ecosystems, particularly for tube-shaped flowers. Their behavior of hovering while feeding shares similarities with hummingbirds, earning them the nickname hummingbird moth. As part of a healthy ecosystem, sphinx moths contribute to the survival of various plants and animals.
Unique Attributes of Sphinx Moths
- Sphinx moths are known for their incredible hovering flight capabilities.
- They possess a long proboscis, allowing them to feed on nectar from deep within flowers.
- Most sphinx moths are nocturnal, adding to their unique identity as night-flyers.
Protection and Predation
Sphinx moths have evolved to have unique characteristics to protect against predators. For example, they may have dark brown coloration with eyespots on their abdomen. These markings help them blend into their surroundings and deter predators by mimicking larger animals, ensuring their safety during their active hours at dusk.
38 Comments. Leave new
I have seen that type in our yard. I can post the hatched adult photo.
I realized my mistake just after I sent this email. I should have had a better picture of the proboscis! The problem is, it doesn’t loop out like the typical sphinx jug handle:
http://img577.imageshack.us/img577/3422/pupa3.jpg
Here’s another picture, in case it helps:
http://img574.imageshack.us/img574/3647/pupa4.jpg
Still thinking sphinx? It was pretty far (300ft, at least) from any tomato plants.
Thanks!
We are sticking by Sphingidae, but like we said before, we are not qualified to do the species identification on this.
I decided to post it with some new images to BugGuide. Here’s the post:
http://bugguide.net/node/view/470240
This is a nice photo of a fresh Agrius convolvuli pupa; this moth is a wide spread hawk moth species, and its pupa can be well distinguished by its characteristic proboscis case… As You have said, the most reliable method to distinguish the single species of Sphingidae moth pupae is to consider the shape and size of their proboscis cases. Agrius (formerly: Herse) convolvuli is a very fast flying grey hawk moth with two strings of red or pinkish spots on the backside of its body – it is closely related (almost identical) to the Agrius cinqulatus (pink spotted hawkmoth) from the New World, from which it only differs by somewhat more reddish spots. The caterpillars of both feed on the Covolvulaceae, like Morning glory (Convolvulus arvensis) or Sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas); they appear in a big variety of colour forms and combinations, but can easily be recognized by their typical defense position, forming a circle by putting the head and the horned end together. The vigorous moths generally migrate in high numbers from south to north and back, and the species is even known to regularly cross the Atlantic. They are often seen feeding from certain flowers at night, and appear very elegant with their fast movements, reddish spots and long proboscis. The pupa is able to survive a winter under mediterranean conditions, ie to stay in earth for as long as a year or maximally two, without freezing temperatures, or deeply burrowed in the soil… It would be very interesting to observe the developping and flying rhythm of this species in Australia.
Nicest wishes from Berlin,
Bostjan Dvorak
Dear Bostjan,
Thanks so much for this most thorough comment.
Hello,
this is a nice discovery of Manduca pupae! As already said, the concrete species can easily be defined by the plants growing in the area, specially when You see some traces on them… According to the length and shape of the proboscis case, they could be either of Manduca sexta or Manduca rustica. The first one’s caterpillar lives on Solanaceae (jimsonweed, tobacco, pepper, boxthorn, tomato, potato and others), and the species is a beneficiary of cultivated zones in the last time – the green larvae have white stripes. a reddish horn and some blackish patterns, whereas the other’s one is green with purple, yellow, blue and white lateral stripes, and grows on Bignoniaceae (eg. Catalpa), Boraginaceae (eg. borage) and Oleaceae (eg. privet) – in Your region it is found predominantly on a plant named “desert willow” – Chilopsis linearis from the Bignoniaceae family. Both species are migrators from more southern countries, and the beautiful fast flying moths feed nectar hovering above the flowers like a humming bird. – What was the other pupa like and how deep did You find them burrowed in the soil?
Nice wishes from Berlin, and happy Easter!
Bostjan
Dear Bostjan,
Thanks so much for your additional input.
That looks more like Manduca rustica to me. The moth will have only 3 orange abdominal spots on each oblique side. It will also show a lot of irregular white splotches about wings and a white, not grey ventral side.
Their larvae are also among our larger and most beautiful hornworms.
Thanks for providing your insight.
I found a pupa (tomato) today while gardening – it was in last years tomato container. Has a small hole at the end – not the end with the loop. Could it still be alive? The hole seems too small for it to get through.
That sounds like it was attacked by a parasite.
We found the exact same cocoon hanging in a Texas Ranger bush in Tucson, Arizona at our school on the westside of town. The caterpillars looked like hornworms. What is it if it is not a sphinx moth since it was hanging on the bush?
We would be more inclined to suspect that what you describe is a Sphinx Pupa. It might have been dug up by a person and hung on the tree. There are also some predators, including Shrikes
(see: http://www.whatsthatbug.com/2006/03/27/earwig-impailed-this-one-for-the-birds/), that will hang food on branches for later.
I found what appears to be a very large sphinx pupa. It is 3.25 inches long with the hook up over its back. I was planting flowers in a pre-existing flower garden and I guess I dug it up. I grow tomatoes but they were about 30-40 ft. from this area. Is this a cocoon of a tomato hornworm? I always seem to have the hornworms that like to strip my tomato plants. Any general information would be appreciated,
There are two closely related species, the Carolina Sphinx and the Five Spotted Hawkmoth, and they both have pupae similar to what you have described.
I find these where I live in Tucson, on my concreted back patio, that have fallen from the tree above. I was confused as to what they were because they were not found in the ground, there is no way they could find there way from buried to my fenced in back patio. But I am pretty sure they are Sphinx moths, from a Tobacco worm. I am kinda not sure what to do with the two I found now, they weren’t originally buried, but do I bury them? and where? Any help would help? Thank you.
perhaps they were dug up by a dog or other animal. You can try putting them a few inches down in some soft soil.
There is what I believe to be a Waved Sphinx caterpillar (live in Tucson, AZ) and it has been on the ground since Saturday. It’s been very cold at night and I saw it on Monday and I thought it was dead, but it’s not. I went to move it off of the sidewalk and it’s still alive but laying mostly on it’s side. Is it dying or getting too cold? Is there anything I can do to help it? It has that rosy purple color and from what I have read it should be going underground? Thanks!
You can move it to a sheltered location with soft earth and let nature take its course. Many caterpillars never make it to the adult stage because of parasitization. Cold weather does slow insects down as well.
I found one here in Miami, Fl. about 3 inches long
I live in Arizona, and have never seen a pupa pod like this until yesterday. It was on the ground and honestly looks exactly like the picture above. How can I tell if it is alive, and how long does it usually take for the caterpillar to crawl out? I’m very interested! I have only seen a moth pod like this on “Silence of the Lambs”! Lol!
https://www.facebook.com/valorie.ryan.5/posts/10209689942383638
I think this is the caterpillar I found in a flower pot this morning (11/28/16) in Corpus Christi, TX.
https://www.facebook.com/valorie.ryan.5/posts/10209689942383638
I think this is the caterpillar I found in a flower pot this morning (11/28/16) in Corpus Christi, TX.
Yes, this is Manduca rustica; great pupa! And according to the darker colour, the moth will hatch soon… “Wriggling its way through” is a fascinating detail; this behaviour is presumed in literature (see Bill Oehlke) as probable for subterranean hawkmoth pupae before eclosion – and here is some evidence! Thank You very much for sharing. – Maybe there is a desert willow bush (Chilopsis linearis) close to the place. This is really a discovery site.
Best wishes
Bostjan
Thanks for the identification Bostjan.
Under my rose bush I inherited from previous owner lived in Washington state are three pupa wiggling I covered em up again with only a couple “ of dirt still wiggling week later
Kay in Rio Rancho NM April 3 2020.
Yes, this is Manduca rustica; great pupa! And according to the darker colour, the moth will hatch soon… “Wriggling its way through” is a fascinating detail; this behaviour is presumed in literature (see Bill Oehlke) as probable for subterranean hawkmoth pupae before eclosion – and here is some evidence! Thank You very much for sharing. – Maybe there is a desert willow bush (Chilopsis linearis) close to the place. This is really a discovery site.
Best wishes
Bostjan
Under my rose bush I inherited from previous owner lived in Washington state are three pupa wiggling I covered em up again with only a couple “ of dirt still wiggling week later
Kay in Rio Rancho NM April 3 2020.
Hi. I found one of these pupas in Tucson after raking some leaves from a tree well. I’m not sure where it came from. I’m guessing from under the leaves or slightly buried. I hung it in a tree for a few days but noticed a bunch of ants crawling on it. It still moves and looks intact, so I ended up burying it a few inches in soft soil after reading this post. Thank you for the information! I’ll keep my eye on it so see what happens. We have hawk moths that visit our night blooming cereus flowers, so I’m guessing it’s one of these.
Thank you! Saw my first sphinx moth, thinking it was a hummingbird, camping on the north side of Wheeler Mtn in northern NM and again at a nursery in the Colorado foothills only to return home to Michigan’s mitten NW little finger area to find we have them here too. Now love finding sphinx moths in my zone 5 butterflies/ruby-throat hummer garden(s) and to know what to look for and do should I find the pupa
I live in the south and I found one in my lawn what do I do with it
I found a nest of these in a tub I have used for growing tomatoes and cucumbers. I live in Goldtown, West Virginia, USA. What do I do to keep them from destroying my plants?
This is not a North American species.
I have found a one of these in the north east of uk whilst digging a lawn
While it might be a Sphinx Moth, it is likely to be a local species for you and not an Australian species.
I have hundeeds of sphynx catapillars in my yard 3 days now they have been crawLing around
Found one near Sacramento, California. About a foot down, near the edge of a garden box. On opposite side from tomato plant location.