Twin Spotted Sphinx Moth (Smerinthus jamaicensis)
The twin spotted sphinx moth is a member of the hawk moth family. The prominent eyes on both sides of its wings have earned it its name. British entomologist Dru Drury first described the species in 1773.
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Scientific Classification
- Family: Sphingidae
- Genus: Smerinthus
- Scientific Name: Smerinthus jamaicensis
Description and Identification
Caterpillar
The larva has a granulose physical structure, with a pale yellow or bluish-green body marked red or cream. Its head is triangular and light-green, with a cream-colored band along its vertex. A thin caudal horn is present, extending straight beyond the posterior end of its body, blue or black. The underside tends to be blue or black, with a faint subdorsal line seen under the thorax.
Pupa
Once fully mature, they begin to pupate.
Adult Moth
Sexual Dimorphism: Present.
Color and Appearance:
Males-
Forewing: When the wings are opened, they are gray with black and white markings. When closed, the pattern becomes less prominent.
Hindwing: When opened and closed, they are red with a pale yellow border. A blue patch may be present at times, either as a single eyespot or separated by black bands to form two or even three eyespots.
Females-
Forewing: When the wings are opened, they are yellowish-brown with white and dark brown markings. When closed, the colors are still visible but less clearly.
Hindwing: When opened and closed, their hindwings are similar to the males, red, bordered in pale yellow, with a bluish eyespot on both sides.
Average Wingspan: 4.5–8.3 cm
Flight Pattern: Not recorded
Season: June to August in the north; April to October in the south
Egg
Once laid, the eggs require a week to hatch.
Quick Facts
Distribution | North America |
Habitat | Forests, suburbs, and areas near rivers and lakes |
Predators | Birds, bats |
Lifespan of Adults | Not recorded |
Host Plants | Apple, ash, birch, elm, peach, plums, poplar, and willow |
Adult Diet | Does not feed |
Scientific Classification
- Family: Sphingidae
- Genus: Smerinthus
- Scientific Name: Smerinthus jamaicensis