# Pandorus Sphinx (*Eumorpha pandorus*) The Pandorus Sphinx is a beautiful moth with big, colorful wings. It loves to fly around flowers and is often seen at night, making it a special nighttime friend in nature. - **Category:** [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/insect) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low - **Snaps:** 6 - **Habitat:** Forests ![Pandorus Sphinx](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Redirect/file/-_7859_%E2%80%93_Eumorpha_pandorus_%E2%80%93_Pandorus_Sphinx_Moth_%2844157395171%29.jpg&width=800) Photo: Andy Reago & Chrissy McClarren, CC BY 2.0 · [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:-_7859_%E2%80%93_Eumorpha_pandorus_%E2%80%93_Pandorus_Sphinx_Moth_%2844157395171%29.jpg) ## Appearance The Pandorus Sphinx is a large moth with a mottled green and brown body, often featuring striking pinkish or olive-green patches on its stout abdomen. Its forewings are elongated and narrow, displaying intricate patterns of olive-green, brown, and pink, making it distinctive among moths. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Arthropoda - **Class:** Insecta - **Order:** Lepidoptera - **Family:** Sphingidae - **Genus:** Eumorpha ## Interesting facts - Adult Pandorus Sphinx moths have a very long tongue, called a proboscis, for reaching deep into flowers. - Its amazing camouflage helps it disappear perfectly against tree bark or leaves during the day. - Many Pandorus Sphinx caterpillars lose their horn as they grow, looking even more snake-like! - Unlike many insects, this moth can maintain a warm body temperature, even on cool nights. ## Special abilities - **Hovering Hummer:** Pandorus Sphinx can hover precisely like a hummingbird because of its powerful wings that helps them drink nectar from flowers. - **Snake Mimicry:** Pandorus Sphinx caterpillars have fake 'eyes' and patterns that make them look like small snakes or dead leaves to scare predators. - **Surprise Hiss:** Pandorus Sphinx can produce a hissing sound when threatened that helps them startle and deter potential attackers. ## Measurements & details - **Wingspan:** 80-115 mm - **Size:** 30-45 mm - **Lifespan:** 7-10 days - **Flight Speed:** 48 km/h - **Leg Count:** 6 ## Diet & Feeding Caterpillars munch on leaves, while adult moths sip sweet nectar from flowers! - **Age differences:** Yes, caterpillars eat plant leaves, while adults only drink liquid nectar from flowers. - **Primary Foods:** grape leaves, Virginia creeper leaves, woodbine leaves, nectar from flowers - **Foraging Method:** Foraging ## Ecological connections - **Eats:** [Virginia Creeper](https://www.snappit.app/explore/virginia-creeper) (*Parthenocissus quinquefolia*) — The caterpillar stage feeds on the leaves of this common vine. - **Eats:** [Summer Grape](https://www.snappit.app/explore/summer-grape) (*Vitis aestivalis*) — Its caterpillars chew the leaves of grapevines as their primary food source. - **Pollinates:** Trumpet Honeysuckle (*Lonicera sempervirens*) — Adult moths visit this flower at night to drink nectar, aiding its pollination. - **Eaten by:** [Little Brown Bat](https://www.snappit.app/explore/little-brown-bat) (*Myotis lucifugus*) — This common bat hunts large moths, including the Pandorus Sphinx, during night flights. ## Traits - [Solitary](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/solitary): Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care. - [Aerial](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/aerial): Aerial creatures spend a significant portion of their lives airborne, utilizing flight for various activities such as hunting, migration, or nesting. - [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. - [Pollinator Magnet](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/pollinator-magnet): Describes plants that are particularly attractive and beneficial to a wide range of pollinating organisms. - [Forest](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/forest): Forest habitats are terrestrial environments dominated by dense tree cover, supporting a high diversity of plant and animal life. - [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 watch moths from a distance and don't touch them, as they can be delicate. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How to identify Pandorus 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 Pandorus Sphinx's wingspan? 80-115 mm ### How big is Pandorus Sphinx? 30-45 mm ### How long does Pandorus Sphinx live? 7-10 days ### How fast can Pandorus Sphinx fly? 48 km/h ### What does Pandorus Sphinx eat? Caterpillars munch on leaves, while adult moths sip sweet nectar from flowers! ### Where is Pandorus Sphinx usually found? Forests ### How does Pandorus Sphinx hunt? Foraging ## Where to spot - [Russian Village Historic District](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/russian-village-historic-district) — Connecticut, US · Historic District - [South Britain Historic District](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/south-britain-historic-district) — Connecticut, US · Historic District - [Mesker Park Zoo and Botanic Garden](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/mesker-park-zoo-and-botanic-garden) — Indiana, US · Zoo - [Anamosa State Penitentiary](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/anamosa-state-penitentiary) — Iowa, US · Historic District - [Bay Head Historic District](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/bay-head-historic-district) — New Jersey, US · Historic District - [Bibb City Historic District](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/bibb-city-historic-district) — Georgia, US · Historic District [View all places to see Pandorus Sphinx](https://www.snappit.app/guides/where-to-see/pandorus-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: [Pandorus Sphinx: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/pandorus-sphinx)