Rustic Sphinx

Manduca rustica

Its proboscis extends several centimeters, allowing it to feed on deep tubular flowers while hovering mid-air without landing on the petals.

Scientific name: Manduca rustica
Taxonomy: Animalia › Arthropoda › Insecta › Lepidoptera › Sphingidae › Manduca
IUCN Red List status: Least Concern
Population trend: stable
Biome: forest
Habitat: Deciduous forests, open woodlands, suburban gardens, and agricultural edges.
Diet: Larvae feed on foliage of ash, fringe tree, catalpa, and beautyberry; adults drink nectar from night-blooming flowers like petunias, jasmine, and morning glories.
Range: North America, Central America, South America, Caribbean
Size: Wingspan 8.7–15 cm
Lifespan: 10–30 days as adult
Active: nocturnal
Threats: Artificial light pollution disrupting nocturnal navigation, broad-spectrum pesticide spraying, and habitat conversion.
Safe to approach?: The rustic sphinx is completely harmless to humans. Neither the adult moth nor the hornworm caterpillar can bite or sting, though caterpillars may thrash defensively if handled. It can be safely observed at close range. If exposed to defensive regurgitation from a caterpillar, simply wash the affected skin with soap and water.

Manduca rustica ( rustic sphinx ) is a moth of the family Sphingidae.

Photo: Evan M. Raskin, CC-BY, via iNaturalist