Blinded Sphinx
ExploreInsects
Blinded Sphinx
Paonias excaecata
The Blinded Sphinx is a special moth that loves to fly at night. Its wings are big and beautiful, and it can be found fluttering around flowers, especially in the summer.
Habitat: Forests
Appearance
The Blinded Sphinx is a large, fuzzy moth with a thick body and mottled brown, tan, and gray forewings that mimic tree bark. Its hindwings famously feature a large, blue-centered "eyespots" that are partly obscured by a black patch, making them look "blinded."
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderLepidopteraFamilySphingidaeGenusPaonias
Category
InsectsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Adult Blinded Sphinx moths do not eat at all! They live off the energy stored as caterpillars.
Baby Blinded Sphinx moths, called caterpillars, are huge green giants with a pointy "horn" on their tail!
Despite their name, Blinded Sphinx moths can see perfectly well! Their "blinded" eyespots are just a clever trick.
These amazing moths are only active at night, silently flying through gardens and forests.
Special abilities
Ability
Surprise Eyes
Blinded Sphinx can flash large, "blinded" eyespots on its hindwings to startle predators and give itself a chance to escape.
Ability
Hovering Sensation
Blinded Sphinx can hover like a hummingbird to sip nectar from flowers using its long proboscis.
Measurements & details
- Wingspan
- 70-100 mm
- Size
- 50-70 mm
- Lifespan
- 7-14 days
- Flight Speed
- 35 km/h
- Leg Count
- 6
Diet & Feeding
Caterpillars munch on tree leaves; adults don't eat at all!
Age differences: Caterpillars are voracious leaf-eaters, but adult moths do not feed.
Primary Foods
- Willow leaves
- Poplar leaves
- Birch leaves
- Apple leaves
- Ash leaves
Foraging Method
- Foraging
Ecological connections
eats
Black Willow
Salix nigra
Larvae feed on the leaves.
eats
Quaking Aspen
Populus tremuloides
A primary host plant for caterpillars.
eaten by
Little Brown Bat
Myotis lucifugus
Nocturnal bats hunt adult moths.
eaten by
Blue Jay
Cyanocitta cristata
Birds eat caterpillars and moths.
parasitizes
Tachinid Fly
Compsilura concinnata
Larvae are parasitized by this fly.
Traits
Furry
Furry describes animals possessing a dense covering of soft hair or fur.
Aerial
Aerial creatures spend a significant portion of their lives airborne, utilizing flight for various activities such as hunting, migration, or nesting.
Colorful
Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors.
Herbivorous
This trait characterizes organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of plant material.
Pollinator Magnet
Describes plants that are particularly attractive and beneficial to a wide range of pollinating organisms.
Forest
Forest habitats are terrestrial environments dominated by dense tree cover, supporting a high diversity of plant and animal life.
Nocturnal
Nocturnal animals are primarily active during the nighttime hours, typically resting or sleeping during the day.
Pollinator
Describes organisms that transfer pollen, enabling the fertilization and reproduction of plants.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Moths are usually safe to watch, but don't touch them as they can be delicate.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Blinded Sphinx's wingspan?
70-100 mm
How big is Blinded Sphinx?
50-70 mm
How long does Blinded Sphinx live?
7-14 days
How fast can Blinded Sphinx fly?
35 km/h
What does Blinded Sphinx eat?
Caterpillars munch on tree leaves; adults don't eat at all!
Where is Blinded Sphinx usually found?
Forests
How does Blinded Sphinx hunt?
Foraging
How many legs does Blinded Sphinx have?
6
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