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small-eyed sphinx moth
small-eyed sphinx moth (Paonias myops)
Illinois Status: common, native
Features and Behaviors
FEATURES
The wingspan of the small-eyed sphinx moth is one and three-fourths to nearly three inches. The upperside of the wings is brown or black with wavy lines on the forewing. The hindwing has a yellow patch surrounding an eyespot. The forewings are smoothly indented. The underside of the wings has blue eyespots surrounded by black.
BEHAVIORS
This species may be seen statewide in Illinois in wooded habitats and urban areas. Adults do not feed. Larvae eat a variety of plant species including those in the genera Prunus (cherries, plums), Amelanchier (shadbushes) and Tilia (basswoods).
Illinois Range
Taxonomy
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Lepidoptera
Family: Sphingidae
Habitats
Aquatic Habitats
bottomland forests
Woodland Habitats
bottomland forests; coniferous forests; southern Illinois lowlands; upland deciduous forests
Prairie and Edge Habitats
edge
