Catalpa Sphinx
ExploreInsects
Catalpa Sphinx
Ceratomia catalpae
The Catalpa Sphinx is a big, beautiful caterpillar that turns into a moth. It loves to munch on catalpa tree leaves and can be spotted in gardens and parks during summer.
Habitat: Urban areas, Gardens
Appearance
The Catalpa Sphinx is a medium to large moth, typically gray-brown with dark, wavy lines and a distinct V-shaped mark on its forewings. Its caterpillars are strikingly patterned, ranging from pale green to black, often with yellow or white stripes and a prominent black 'horn' at their rear.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderLepidopteraFamilySphingidaeGenusCeratomia
Category
InsectsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Catalpa Sphinx caterpillars are super picky eaters; they only eat leaves from catalpa trees!
Despite their spiky tail horn, Catalpa Sphinx caterpillars are completely harmless to touch!
The adult moths are excellent flyers, able to hover in mid-air like tiny helicopters!
These hungry caterpillars can completely strip a whole catalpa tree bare of its leaves!
Special abilities
Ability
Leaf Gobbler
Catalpa Sphinx caterpillars can rapidly munch through catalpa leaves because of their powerful jaws, helping them grow big quickly.
Ability
Night Navigator
Adult Catalpa Sphinx moths can fly swiftly and accurately at night, using their large wings to find mates and avoid predators.
Ability
Horn Bluffer
The caterpillar has a harmless, spiky "horn" on its tail that helps it look intimidating to potential predators.
Ability
Bark Blending
Adult moths have mottled grey and brown wings that allow them to perfectly disappear against tree bark during the day.
Measurements & details
- Wingspan
- 70-110 mm
- Size
- 30-40 mm
- Lifespan
- 7-10 days
- Flight Speed
- 30-45 km/h
- Leg Count
- 6
Diet & Feeding
These insects feast primarily on the leaves of catalpa trees, growing big and strong.
Age differences: Larvae (caterpillars) are voracious leaf-eaters, while adult moths rarely feed, focusing on reproduction.
Primary Foods
- Catalpa bignonioides
- Catalpa speciosa
Foraging Method
- Foraging
Ecological connections
depends on
Southern Catalpa
Catalpa bignonioides
Its caterpillars feed exclusively on its leaves.
parasitizes
Braconid Wasp
Cotesia congregata
Lays eggs inside the caterpillar, eventually killing it.
eats
Blue Jay
Cyanocitta cristata
Blue Jays frequently prey on the slow-moving caterpillars.
eaten by
Little Brown Bat
Myotis lucifugus
Adult moths are a food source for bats.
Traits
Striped
Marked with parallel bands or lines of color.
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.
Urban Friendly
This habitat trait indicates species that can coexist with humans in urban and suburban environments, utilizing man-made structures and green spaces.
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
Always look but don't touch caterpillars, as some can be sensitive.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Catalpa Sphinx's wingspan?
70-110 mm
How big is Catalpa Sphinx?
30-40 mm
How long does Catalpa Sphinx live?
7-10 days
How fast can Catalpa Sphinx fly?
30-45 km/h
What does Catalpa Sphinx eat?
These insects feast primarily on the leaves of catalpa trees, growing big and strong.
Where is Catalpa Sphinx usually found?
Urban areas, Gardens
How does Catalpa Sphinx hunt?
Foraging
How many legs does Catalpa Sphinx have?
6
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