White-lined Sphinx Moth (Hyles lineata)

The White-lined Sphinx (Hyles lineata) is a common sphinx or hawkmoth that ranges from Central America north through Mexico and the West Indies to most of the United States and southern Canada. It also occurs in Eurasia and Africa. Both the adult and caterpillars feed on a wide variety of sources. Adults usually fly at dusk, during the night, and at dawn, but they will also fly during the day. Wingspan averages around three inches (7.5 cm).

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White-lined Sphinx Moth (Hyles lineata)

Azalea Sphinx Moth (Darapsa choerilus)

(Photo taken 5/8/08)

Azalea Sphinx Moth (Darapsa choerilus) Hodges #7886

Range: Eastern United States, west to North Dakota and Texas, plus across southern Canada from Nova Scotia to British Columbia.

Season: Adults fly from June to August in the north (one brood); March to September in the south (two or more broods). In Louisiana there are as many as eight broods, beginning in March, with emergence peaks at 30-day intervals.

Food: Larvae feed on leaves of azalea (Rhododendron spp.), blueberry (Vaccinium spp.), sour-gum, and Viburnum species. Adults take nectar.

Life Cycle: One to several generations per year, depending on latitude. Larvae pupate in leaf litter at base of hostplant, binding several leaves together with a few strands of silk to form a loose flimsy cocoon.

Thanks to Eric Eaton at BugGuide for the ID.

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Everything you ever wanted to know about Azalea Sphinx Moths (from breeding procedures to photos of pupae and larval stages) can be found on Mr. Bill Oehlke's webpage.

Azalea Sphinx Moth (Darapsa choerilus)