small-eyed sphinx moth

small-eyed sphinx moth (Paonias myops)

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).

​Kingdom: Animalia

Phylum: Arthropoda

Class: Insecta

Order: Lepidoptera

Family: Sphingidae

​common, native