ExploreInsects

Carolina Sphinx

Manduca sexta

The Carolina Sphinx is a big, colorful caterpillar that turns into a beautiful moth. It loves to munch on plants and is often found in gardens and fields.

Habitat: Gardens

Appearance

The Carolina Sphinx is a large, sturdy moth with a torpedo-shaped body. Its forewings are mottled grey and brown, while the smaller hindwings have distinct black and white bands. A key visual identifier is the row of five bright orange-yellow and black spots along each side of its abdomen.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderLepidopteraFamilySphingidaeGenusManduca
Carolina Sphinx
solitary trait badgecamouflaged trait badgecolorful trait badgeherbivorous trait badge
Carolina Sphinx

Category

Insects

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

Its caterpillar form, called a 'hornworm,' is a major pest for tobacco and tomato plants!

Its eyes glow reddish-orange at night when a light shines on them!

The pupa stage happens underground, where it sleeps for weeks or months.

These moths are amazing long-distance flyers, sometimes migrating hundreds of kilometers.

Special abilities

Ability

Hummingbird Hover

The Carolina Sphinx can hover perfectly still while feeding because of its powerful wings that allow precise flight control.

Ability

Nectar Siphoner

Carolina Sphinx has an incredibly long proboscis, a straw-like mouthpart, that helps them reach nectar deep inside tubular flowers.

Ability

Color Chameleon (Larva)

Its caterpillar form can change its skin color from green to reddish-brown, helping it perfectly blend with its host plants.

Ability

Night Navigator

The Carolina Sphinx can locate flowers in low light because it possesses excellent night vision and a keen sense of smell.

Measurements & details

Wingspan
90-120 mm
Size
50-60 mm
Lifespan
7-14 days
Flight Speed
50 km/h
Leg Count
6

Diet & Feeding

Adults drink flower nectar; caterpillars munch on leaves.

Age differences: Larvae are voracious leaf-eaters, while adult moths exclusively feed on flower nectar.

Primary Foods

  • Nectar
  • Tobacco leaves
  • Tomato leaves
  • Potato leaves

Foraging Method

  • Foraging

Ecological connections

eats

Tobacco Plant

Nicotiana tabacum

Larvae eat leaves of this plant.

eats

Tomato Plant

Solanum lycopersicum

Larvae are a common pest here.

parasitizes

Braconid Wasp

Cotesia congregata

Wasps lay eggs on its caterpillar.

pollinates

Flowering Tobacco

Nicotiana alata

Moths drink nectar and spread pollen.

Traits

Also known as

Hawk MothSphinx Moth

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Don't touch insects without asking an adult, as some can be delicate or might bite.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Carolina Sphinx's wingspan?

90-120 mm

How big is Carolina Sphinx?

50-60 mm

How long does Carolina Sphinx live?

7-14 days

How fast can Carolina Sphinx fly?

50 km/h

What does Carolina Sphinx eat?

Adults drink flower nectar; caterpillars munch on leaves.

Where is Carolina Sphinx usually found?

Gardens

How does Carolina Sphinx hunt?

Foraging

How many legs does Carolina Sphinx have?

6

Snap Map

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