The White-lined Sphinx caterpillar grows to 2.75 inches. It is highly variable and can be green or yellow with black markings. The head, thoracic shield and anal plate are green or orange and covered with small black dots. The horn at the end of the abdomen is yellow or orange. The moth has a wingspan of 2.5 to 3.5 inches. The long forewing is dark brown with a broad, tan stripe extending from the base to the apex. Thin, white streaks cross it. The short hindwing is black with a pink median band. The thorax is dark brown with white vertical lines. The abdomen is brown with a white vertical line down the middle and black and white crossbands.
This species is common in our area. It is widespread in most of North America, Central and South America. They can be found in various open habitats including meadows and gardens with flowers. Adults take nectar and fly during the day and at dusk.
Caterpillars feed on a wide variety of plants including Evening Primrose and the leaves of apple trees. Larvae burrow into soil to pupate.
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