Hydrangea Sphinx

darapsa versicolor

The Hydrangea Sphinx (Darapsa versicolor) is a stunningly vibrant moth belonging to the Sphingidae family, renowned for its intricate, almost stained-glass wing patterns. Native to the damp woodlands and stream banks of eastern North America, this remarkable insect captivates observers with its vivid blends of olive-green, pinkish-orange, and creamy white markings. As an agile flyer, it shares the hovering feeding habits characteristic of many sphinx moths, often earning them the nickname of 'hummingbird moths.' Its presence and life cycle are deeply tied to the specific, undisturbed wetlands where its host plants, notably wild hydrangea and buttonbush, can flourish.

Habitat: Found primarily in damp deciduous woodlands, wet meadows, swamps, and along stream banks where host plants like wild hydrangea and buttonbush grow abundantly.

Appearance

This moth boasts an impressive wingspan typically ranging from 5.8 to 8.0 centimeters. The forewings are beautifully marbled with swirling bands of dark olive-green, contrasting sharply with paler streaks of creamy white and warm pinkish-tan. A distinct pale line often sweeps diagonally across the forewing, highlighting its aerodynamic shape. The hindwings offer a bright pop of color, displaying solid patches of warm orange or pinkish-yellow. The body is robust and streamlined, featuring a pale stripe down the center of its green and brown thorax, perfectly camouflaging the moth among dappled foliage when resting during the daytime.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderLepidopteraFamilySphingidaeGenusDarapsa

Hydrangea Sphinx

Interesting facts

Like many sphinx moths, Hydrangea Sphinx caterpillars have a prominent 'horn' on their rear end, giving them the colloquial nickname of 'hornworms'.

Their scientific name, 'versicolor', hints at the beautifully varied, shifting shades of green, pink, and white that provide their striking camouflage.

They belong to a family of moths that are among the fastest flying insects; some species can maneuver at speeds up to 30 mph (50 km/h).

When threatened, sphinx moth caterpillars often rear up their front half in a rigid pose resembling the ancient Egyptian Sphinx, which inspired the family's name.

Special abilities

Capable of maintaining stationary flight in mid-air using a rapid wingbeat, allowing it to feed from flowers much like a hummingbird.

The intricate, swirling green and pink patterns on its wings break up its outline, helping it blend seamlessly into dappled light and dead leaves.

Equipped with an exceptionally long, coiled proboscis that unrolls to access deep nectar reserves hidden within long, tubular flowers.

Measurements & details

Length: 3-4 cm
Wingspan: 5-8 cm
Weight: 0.001-0.005 kg
Lifespan: 1 years
Top Speed: 25 km/h
Clutch Size: 50-150
Incubation: 5-10 days

Diet & Feeding

Caterpillars munch extensively on the foliage of specific wetland shrubs, while adults use their long proboscis to sip nectar from deep-throated flowers.

Age differences: Larvae are strictly folivores that consume leaves of host plants, whereas winged adults are entirely nectarivores.

Primary Foods

Wild Hydrangea leaves
Buttonbush leaves
Milkweed nectar
Phlox nectar
Dogbane nectar

Foraging Method

Foraging

Ecological connections

host plant

Smooth Hydrangea

Hydrangea arborescens

Caterpillars rely heavily on the leaves of the Smooth Hydrangea for food and development.

host plant

Buttonbush

Cephalanthus occidentalis

Another primary host plant for caterpillars found in swampy environments.

mutualism

Common Milkweed

Asclepias syriaca

Adults pollinate and feed heavily on the nectar of Common Milkweed.

eaten by

Big Brown Bat

Eptesicus fuscus

Preyed upon during flight by nocturnal insectivores like the Big Brown Bat.

Traits

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Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

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Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

No special safety notes yet.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to identify Hydrangea Sphinx?

The easiest way to identify Hydrangea Sphinx is to use the Snappit nature identifier app.

How long is Hydrangea Sphinx?

3-4 cm

What is Hydrangea Sphinx's wingspan?

5-8 cm

How much does Hydrangea Sphinx weigh?

0.001-0.005 kg

How long does Hydrangea Sphinx live?

1 years

How fast can Hydrangea Sphinx move?

25 km/h

What does Hydrangea Sphinx eat?

Caterpillars munch extensively on the foliage of specific wetland shrubs, while adults use their long proboscis to sip nectar from deep-throated flowers.

Where is Hydrangea Sphinx usually found?

Found primarily in damp deciduous woodlands, wet meadows, swamps, and along stream banks where host plants like wild hydrangea and buttonbush grow abundantly.