Blinded Sphinx Moth (Paonias excaecatus)

Caterpillar

They have a soft, green body serving as a perfect camouflage against the surrounding foliage. Though the blinded sphinx moth has a spike or soft horn at the rear end of its body, handling them is not too difficult.

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Pupa

The pupation phase occurs in fall. The larvae make a brown cocoon amongst the decayed leaves, hiding from their enemies.

Adult Moth

Sexual Dimorphism: Present but not prominent

The females’ wings have a lighter coloration than that of their male counterparts.

Color and Appearance

Forewings: When opened, it is pale gray or reddish-brown on the upper side and pink near the base. Dark patches appear at the center, while a white and brown curved border occurs near their forewing’s edges. When closed, the pink pattern is not visible; else, the overall color more or less remains the same.

Hindwings: When opened, the hindwing’s upperside is pale or dark brown, also marked with a pink patch near the base. The most striking feature that even accounts for its name is the blue eyespot on each side sans the pupil. When closed, the brown coloration remains the same, though the blue eyespot and the prominent pink patch are hidden.

Average Wingspan: 6 – 8.5 cm

Flight Pattern: Consistent

Season: Florida -March – October;Louisiana -March – September; May – September

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Egg

The small-sized eggs have a greenish-yellow coloration that takes about eight days to hatch into a larva. Quick Facts

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