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Small Eyed Sphinx Moth (Paonias myops)

The small eyed sphinx moth is a member of the family of hawk moths. It was first described by English botanist James Edward Smith in 1797. 

Small Eyed Sphinx Moth

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Scientific Classification


  • Family: Sphingidae
  • Genus: Paonias
  • Scientific Name: Paonias myops

Description and Identification

Caterpillar

The caterpillars are green, with thin yellow angled lines on both sides. It has a horn on its end.

Small Eyed Sphinx Moth Caterpillar

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Pupa

After maturing, it begins to pupate.

Small Eyed Sphinx Moth Pupa

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Adult Moth

Sexual Dimorphism: Present. Females tend to be larger than males, measuring 7.5 cm on average.

Color and Appearance

There is an orange stripe running through the thorax and back regions. The antennae of these moths are white.

Forewing: When the wings are opened, they have smooth indentations. There are wavy lines of brown and various purple shades throughout the wings. The edges of the wings are orange. When the wings are closed, the lines remain visible.

Hindwing: When the wings are opened, two bright black and blue eyespots are observed. When the wings are closed, these eyespots become less visible.

Average wingspan: 4.5 – 7.5 cm

Flight pattern: Erratic

Season: April to October

Paonias myops

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Egg

Females lay their eggs either on soil or close to the host plant.

Small Eyed Sphinx Moth Egg

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Quick Facts

DistributionThroughout North America, including Arizona, California, Maine, Mexico, Nova Scotia, Washington, and west to British Columbia
HabitatDeciduous woodlands, suburbs, and wooded habitats
Lifespan of Adults10-30 days
Host PlantsBasswood, black cherry, service cherry, sour cherry, and western chokecherry
Adult DietDoes not feed

Did You Know

  • There are two known sub-species of this moth – Paonias myops myops and Paonias myops occidentalis.
Small Eyed Sphinx Moth Image

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Small Eyed Sphinx Moth Picture

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