Berks County, Pennsylvania, and nearby Counties:
Lehigh, Montgomery. Delaware and Lebanon.

Sphingidae

Darapsa myron on grape, Berks County, Pennsylvania,
August 12, 2018, courtesy of Bobbi Devine.

This site has been created by Bill Oehlke.
Comments, suggestions and/or additional information/sightings are welcomed by Bill.

This page is inspired by and dedicated to Bobbi Devine in Berks County, Pennsylvania. Bobbi sent me the Darapsa myron image (top of page) for id assistance, August 12, 2018.

Most of the Sphingidae larvae are green and well camouflaged among the foliage they eat. Generally only one to five eggs are deposited on a single host plant, and these larvae go unnoticed unless they are feeding on garden tomato plants (Manduca quinquemaculata and Manduca sexta), in large numbers on Catalpa trees (Ceratomia catalpae), or on foliage of decorative flowers (Hyles lineata on portulaca, and/or Xylophanes tersa on pentas).

If you have domestic grape vines or decorative Virginia Creeper growing on your property or nearby, you may encounter several of the others:
Eumorpha achemon, Eumorpha pandorus, Amphion floridenis, Darapsa myron, Deidamia inscriptum and Sphecodina abbottii.

Encounters with other species are less likely, but some of the larger species consume copious amounts of foliage, revealing their spectacular bulk.

Almost all of the Sphingidae larvae, at maturity, leave their foodplant hosts and crawl some distance from the plant to excavate subterranean chambers in which to pupate. I frequently get asked to identify caterpillars discovered in this travel mode.

Most Sphingidae larvae have a well defined anal horn, harmless to humans, but probably threatening to some would-be predators. The Eumorpha species and Specodina abbottii have the horn replaced by a raised "eye" in the final instar. The Lapara species are without horns from the time of hatching.

For care of "found larvae/caterpillars" visit Manduca sexta larva, central Texas, August 21, 2008, Trina Woodall.

Fifty Sphingidae species are listed for Pennsylvania on the U.S.G.S. website (now BAMONA). Not all of the species are reported or anticipated in Berks County (thirty-one are reported on BAMONA, as of August 16, 2018. It is hoped that this checklist, with the thumbnails and notes, will help you quickly identify the caterpillars you are might encounter.

A "WO" after the species name indicates that I (William Oehlke) expect that this species is present or might be present.

Berks (31): Ceratomia amyntor; Ceratomia catalpae; Ceratomia undulosa; Lapara bombycoides; Lapara coniferarum; Lintneria eremitus; Manduca jasminearum; Manduca quinquemaculatus; Manduca sexta; Paratrea plebeja; Sphinx chersis; Sphinx gordius; Sphinx kalmiae; Sphinx pinastri; Amorpha juglandis; Pachysphinx modesta; Paonias astylus; Paonias excaecata; Paonias myops; Smerinthus jamaicensis; Hemaris diffinis; Hemaris thysbe; Eumorpha achemon; Eumorpha pandorus; Amphion floridensis; Darapsa myron; Darapsa choerilus; Deidamia inscriptum; Hyles gallii; Hyles lineata; Sphecodina abbottii.

Although this page was dedicated to cover Berks County, it is also representative of what is expected in the following nearby counties:

Lehigh (19): Agrius cingulata; Ceratomia undulosa; Lintneria eremitus; Manduca sexta; Sphinx chersis; Sphinx kalmiae; Paonias excaecata; Paonias myops; Hemaris diffinis; Hemaris gracilis; Hemaris thysbe; Eumorpha achemon; Eumorpha pandorus; Amphion floridensis; Darapsa myron; Darapsa choerilus (pholus); Deidamia inscriptum; Hyles lineata; Sphecodina abbottii.

Lebanon (21): Agrius cingulata; Ceratomia amyntor; Ceratomia catalpae; Ceratomia undulosa; Dolba hyloeus; Lintneria eremitus; Sphinx drupiferarum; Manduca jasminearum; Manduca sexta; Amorpha juglandis; Pachysphinx modesta; Paonias excaecata; Paonias myops; Hemaris diffinis; Hemaris thysbe; Eumorpha pandorus; Eumorpha fasciatus; Darapsa choerilus (pholus); Darapsa myron; Deidamia inscriptum; Sphecodina abbottii.

Montgomery (17): Ceratomia amyntor; Ceratomia undulosa; Manduca jasminearum; Manduca sexta; Amorpha juglandis; Paonias excaecata; Paonias myops; Smerinthus jamaicensis; Hemaris diffinis; Hemaris gracilis; Hemaris thysbe; Eumorpha fasciatus; Eumorpha pandorus; Amphion floridensis; Darapsa choerilus; Darapsa myron; Deidamia inscriptum.

Delaware (11): Agrius cingulata; Ceratomia catalpae; Manduca sexta; Paonias excaecata; Smerinthus jamaicensis; Hemaris diffinis; Hemaris thysbe; Eumorpha achemon; Eumorpha pandorus; Darapsa choerilus; Amphion floridensis.

A "Berks" indicates the moth is reported on the USGS website (now BAMONA) and/or in Lepidoptera of North America, #1. Distribution of Silkmoths (Saturniidae) and Hawkmoths (Sphingidae) of Eastern North America, an excellent little booklet available through Paul Opler.

Please help me develop this list with improved, documented accuracy by sending sightings (species, date, location), preferably with an electronic image, via email to Bill Oehlke.

Sphinginae subfamily Sphingini tribe: Agrius cingulata, Lehigh/Lebanon/Delaware Pink-spotted hawkmoth. Plants in the Convolvulaceae family, especially Ipomoea batatas (sweet potato) and in the Solanaceae family, especially (Datura) (jimsonweed) and related plants in the Americas. There is also a brown form. Look for very large, dark spiracular circles. Agrius cingulata has been reported as an adult stray (Lehigh), but the larva is not expected in Pennsylvania. Ceratomia amyntor Berks/Lebanon/Montgomery, the Elm Sphinx or Four-horned Sphinx Caterpillars show both brown and green forms and are unmistakeable due to four horns on the thorax (near the head). Larvae feed on Elm (Ulmus), birch (Betula), basswood (Tilia), and cherry (Prunus). Ceratomia catalpae Berks/Lebanon/Delaware, the Catalpa Sphinx This caterpillar is one of the few North American Sphingidae that feed in large groups. Colouration is distinctive. The larvae are much more spectacular than the moths. Catalpa is the larval host. Ceratomia undulosa Berks/Lehigh/Lebanon/Montgomery, the Waved Sphinx Note the pinkish-orange tail, spiracles outlined in red and the cream stripes on the head. The dramatic color change from the dorsal yellow-green to the lateral light greyish-blue is not always as intense as in this image. Dolba hyloeus Lebanon, the Pawpaw Sphinx Note the smooth skin, blue-black horn and small black spiracles. Pawpaw is the primary host. Littleleaf sweetfern, possum haw, inkberry, tall gallberry holly and others are also utilized. Lapara bombycoides Berks, the Northern Pine Sphinx This caterpillar is also without the anal horn and feeds on pines. The long stripes and reddish brown afford great camouflage. Lapara coniferarum Berks, the Southern Pine Sphinx This caterpillar is also without the anal horn and feeds on pines. The long stripes and reddish brown afford great camouflage. Lintneria eremitus Berks/Lehigh/Lebanon, the Hermit Sphinx Note triangular bump on the thorax. Larval hosts are various species of beebalm (Monarda), mints (Mentha), bugleweed (Lycopis), and sage (Salvia). Manduca jasminearum Berks/Lebanon/Montgomery, the Ash Sphinx Larvae feed on ash in the Fraxinus genus. Syringa and Ulmus have also been reported. Note the black anal horn. Manduca quinquemaculatus Berks, the Five-spotted Hawkmoth Note the solid black horn and dark spiracular rings. In addition to the white oblique lines, there are fainter white rings, especially on the back. I suspect if you grow tomatoes, you are likely to encounter it. Manduca rustica WO, the Rustic Sphinx Note the green horn, raised white bumps and strong dark lines anterior to the white ones. generally more southerly, probably only seen as an occasional adult stray Manduca sexta Berks/Lehigh/Lebanon/Montgomery/Delaware, the Carolina Sphinx Note the red horn and black dots anterior to the white oblique lines. If you grow tomatoes, you have probably encountered it. Paratrea plebeja Berks, the Plebeian Sphinx Larvae feed at night, hiding on the underside of stems during the day. Preferred hosts are common trumpetcreeper (Campsis radicans), Florida yellow-trumpet (Tecoma stans), lilac (Syringa species), and passionflower (Passiflora species). Sphinx chersis Berks/Lehigh, the Northern Ash Sphinx or Great Ash Sphinx Note pale blue horn and the creamy-white stripes on head. The yellow form has a red horn. Larval hosts are ash, lilac, privet, cherry and quaking aspen. Sphinx drupiferarum Lebanon, the Wild Cherry Sphinx Larvae hide in the day and feed primarily on cherry, plum, and apple at night. Larvae have been found on Amelanchier nantuckensis in Massachusetts and have been reared to pupation in Michigan on Prunus serotina. Note purple oblique lines. Sphinx franckii WO, Franck's Sphinx Moth Larvae feed exclusively on various species of ash (Fraxinus). Raised, pointed bumps, especially near the head and thorax give this caterpillar a reptilian appearance. Sphinx gordius Berks, the Apple Sphinx Larval hosts are apple (Malus), sweetfern (Myrica), Carolina rose (Rosa carolina), blueberry and huckleberry (Vaccinium), white spruce (Picea glauca), American larch (Larix laricina), and alder (Alnus). Sphinx kalmiae Berks/Lehigh, the Laurel Sphinx In the final instar, the black on the head, lateral lines, horn and on abdominal legs is diagnostic. Larvae feed primarily on lilac and fringe. Smerinthini Tribe: Amorpha juglandis Berks/Lebanon/Montgomery, the Walnut Sphinx Amorpha juglandis larvae feed upon Walnut and butternut (Juglans), hickory (Carya), alder (Alnus), beech (Fagus), hazelnut (Corylus), and hop-hornbeam (Ostrya). Pachysphinx modesta Berks/Lebanon, the Modest Sphinx or Poplar Sphinx Moths have very heavy bodies. It is fond of poplars and willows. Paonias astylus Berks, the Huckleberry Sphinx It would be more common further south, and it is a relatively uncommon species. Only rarely are they seen in Maine. I never saw one in New Jersey. Paonias excaecata Berks/Lehigh/Lebanon/Montgomery/Delaware, the Blinded Sphinx Larvae accept willows, birches, and cherries. I have also found them in the wild on oak in eastern Canada. Paonias myops Berks/Lehigh/Lebanon/Montgomery, the Small-eyed Sphinx Wild cherry species are the favorites as larval foodplants, but eggs will also be deposited on birches and other forest trees. There are varying degrees in the amount of red markings along the sides. Smerinthus jamaicensis Berks/Montgomery/Delaware, the Twin-spotted Sphinx Larvae feed upon many forest trees including birches and cherries, but are expecially fond of poplars and willows. Red markings on sides vary greatly from specimen to specimen. Macroglossinae subfamily Dilophonotini tribe: See Hemaris comparison to help distinguish the next three species. Hemaris thysbe Berks/Lehigh/Lebanon/Montgomery/Delaware, the Hummingbird Clearwing There is also an orangey-pink prepupal form. The lateral line runs from S1 to the blue horn. Hemaris thysbe larvae feed on viburnum and related plants. Hemaris diffinis Berks/Lehigh/Lebanon/Montgomery/Delaware, the Snowberry Clearwing or Bumblebee Moth Larval host plants include Snowberry (Symphoricarpos), honeysuckle (Lonicera), Coralberry, viburnums, Blue Dogbane (Apocynum) and dwarf bush honeysuckle (Diervilla lonicera). Horn is black with a yellow base. Hemaris gracilis Lehigh/Montgomery, the Slender Clearwing or Graceful Clearwing Hemaris gracilis is distinguished from similar species by a pair of red-brown bands on the undersides of the thorax, which varies from green to yellow-green dorsally and sometimes brown with white underneath. They have a red abdomen. unlikely Philampelini tribe: Eumorpha achemon Berks/Lehigh/Delaware, the Achemon Sphinx Larvae feed upon Grape (Vitis), Virginia Creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia) and other vines and ivies (Ampelopsis). Larvae occur in both a light (green) form and a darker (tan/brown) form. Note six "segmented" oblique lines. Eumorpha fasciatus USGS/LebanonMontgomery, Banded Sphinx. Primrose-willow, Ludwigia (water primrose), plants in evening primrose family. Hornless, highly variable larva. Look for large, dark spiracular circles and dark line in center of back. See image at bottom of page. Probably only seen as an adult stray in Pennsylvania Eumorpha pandorus Berks/Lehigh/Lebanon/Montgomery/Delaware, the Pandorus Sphinx If you have Grape or Virginia Creeper nearby, then you might encounter this species. Note the five large white ovals. There are orangey-brown and green forms also. Macroglossini tribe: Amphion floridensis Berks/Lehigh/Montgomery/Delaware, the Nessus Sphinix In additon to Virginia creeper larvae accept Grape (Vitis), ampelopsis (Ampelopsis), and cayenne pepper (Capsicum). Larvae are green until the final instar. Darapsa choerilus Berks/Lehigh/Lebanon/Montgomery/Delaware, the Azalea Sphinx Larvae feed on Azalea and Viburnum and progress very rapidly. The larva to the left on Viburnum cassinoides is getting ready to pupate. Color change from green to light burgundy-brown indicates pupation is imminent. Darapsa myron BD/Berks/Lehigh/Lebanon/Montgomery, the Virginia Creeper Sphinx or the Grapevine Sphinx. If you have the foodplants indicated in the common names, you probably have this species nearby. The lower wings are orange. Larvae feed on Virginia creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia), Grape (Vitis), Ampelopsis, and Viburnum. Larvae can be orangey, yellowish, or even brown with pinkish areas Darapsa versicolor WO, the Hydrangea Sphinx Larvae feed on Smooth hydrangea (Hydrangea arborescens), buttonbush (Cephalanthus occidentalis), and waterwillow (Decodon verticillatus). Note small head which can be retracted into the thorax. Deidamia inscriptum Berks/Lehigh/Lebanon/, the Lettered Sphinx Grape (Vitis), ampelopsis (Ampelopsis), and Virginia creeper (Parthenocissus) all serve as larval hosts. The alternating yellow and greyish-green rings across the back distinguish this larva. Hyles gallii, Berks, the Bedstraw Hawk Moth or Gallium Sphinx Larvae come in black and in brown forms and often feed on Epilobium (fireweed). Hyles lineata Berks/Lehigh, the White-lined Sphinx Larvae are highly varied and feed on a great diversity of plants including willow weed (Epilobium), four o'clock (Mirabilis), apple (Malus), evening primrose (Oenothera), elm (Ulmus), grape (Vitis), tomato (Lycopersicon), purslane (Portulaca), and Fuschia. All larvae seem, however, to have the red/black swellings split by dorso-lateral lines. Sphecodina abbottii Berks/Lehigh/Lebanon, the Abbott's Sphinx Larvae feed at night on grape (Vitis) and ampelopsis (Ampelopsis) and hide on the bark of their host plants during the day. Virginia creeper would also be a suitable host. There is also a dark form without the green patches. Note the "raised eye", replacing the anal horn. Xylophanes tersa WO, the Tersa Sphinx Larvae feed on Borreria, Catalpa and Manettia spp. and Smooth buttonplant (Spermacoce glabra) and starclusters (Pentas species). They are also recorded on joe-pie weed and Hamelia patens and on Hedoydis nigricans. The green form may be more common. generally more southerly; possibly only seen as an adult stray

Enjoy some of nature's wonderments, giant silk moth cocoons. These cocoons are for sale winter and fall. Beautiful Saturniidae moths will emerge the following spring and summer. Read Actias luna rearing article. Additional online help available.

Eggs of many North American species are offered during the spring and summer. Occasionally summer Actias luna and summer Antheraea polyphemus cocoons are available. Shipping to US destinations is done from within the US.

Use your browser "Back" button to return to the previous page.

This page is brought to you by Bill Oehlke and the WLSS. Pages are on space rented from Bizland. If you would like to become a "Patron of the Sphingidae Site", contact Bill.

Please send sightings/images to Bill. I will do my best to respond to requests for identification help.

Show appreciation for this site by clicking on flashing butterfly to the left. The link will take you to a page with links to many insect sites.