# 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. - **Category:** [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/insect) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low - **Snaps:** 3 - **Habitat:** Urban areas, Gardens ![Catalpa Sphinx](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Redirect/file/Ceratomia_catalpae_MHNT_CUT_2010_0_480_-_Braxton_W._VA._USA_-_Paratype_-_Female.jpg&width=800) Photo: Didier Descouens, CC BY-SA 4.0 · [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Ceratomia_catalpae_MHNT_CUT_2010_0_480_-_Braxton_W._VA._USA_-_Paratype_-_Female.jpg) ## 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. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Arthropoda - **Class:** Insecta - **Order:** Lepidoptera - **Family:** Sphingidae - **Genus:** Ceratomia ## 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 - **Leaf Gobbler:** Catalpa Sphinx caterpillars can rapidly munch through catalpa leaves because of their powerful jaws, helping them grow big quickly. - **Night Navigator:** Adult Catalpa Sphinx moths can fly swiftly and accurately at night, using their large wings to find mates and avoid predators. - **Horn Bluffer:** The caterpillar has a harmless, spiky "horn" on its tail that helps it look intimidating to potential predators. - **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](https://www.snappit.app/explore/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](https://www.snappit.app/explore/blue-jay) (*Cyanocitta cristata*) — Blue Jays frequently prey on the slow-moving caterpillars. - **Eaten by:** [Little Brown Bat](https://www.snappit.app/explore/little-brown-bat) (*Myotis lucifugus*) — Adult moths are a food source for bats. ## Traits - [Striped](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/striped): Marked with parallel bands or lines of color. - [Colorful](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/colorful): Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors. - [Herbivorous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/herbivorous): This trait characterizes organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of plant material. - [Urban Friendly](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/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](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/nocturnal): Nocturnal animals are primarily active during the nighttime hours, typically resting or sleeping during the day. - [Pollinator](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/pollinator): Describes organisms that transfer pollen, enabling the fertilization and reproduction of plants. ## Collections - [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/insects) ## Safety **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low Always look but don't touch caterpillars, as some can be sensitive. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How to identify Catalpa Sphinx? Compare resting wing shape, forewing markings, antennae and body build. Small brown moths can hinge on fine details a phone photo can't always catch. Moth Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details. ### 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 ## Where to spot - [Americus Historic District](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/americus-historic-district) — Georgia, US · Historic District - [Hedgesville Historic District](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/hedgesville-historic-district) — West Virginia, US · Historic District - [Madison Historic District](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/madison-historic-district) — Indiana, US · Historic District - [Stanton Park](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/stanton-park) — Virginia, US · Park - [White Oaks Park](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/white-oaks-park) — Virginia, US · Park [View all places to see Catalpa Sphinx](https://www.snappit.app/guides/where-to-see/catalpa-sphinx) ## More Insects - [Common Eastern Bumble Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/common-eastern-bumble-bee) (*Bombus impatiens*) - [Spotted Lanternfly](https://www.snappit.app/explore/spotted-lanternfly) (*Lycorma delicatula*) - [Brown-belted Bumble Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/brown-belted-bumble-bee) (*Bombus griseocollis*) - [Eastern Carpenter Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-carpenter-bee) (*Xylocopa virginica*) --- Source: [Catalpa Sphinx: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/catalpa-sphinx)