SPHINX MOTHS #1: PANDORUS, SMALL-EYED, BLINDED, VIRGINIA CREEPER, AZALEA, and TWIN-SPOTTED SPHINX
Pandorus Sphinx moth (also known as the Pandora Sphinx). This is one of our largest and most beautiful sphinx moths. Fresh individuals have a dark, metallic green color. This moth was attracted by UV lights, July 19, 2016.
Small-Eyed Sphinx moth. I find these moths from May through early August. They have round eyespots on their hindwings. This individual was photographed at Cox Arboretum on August 1, 2017.
Virginia Creeper Sphinx, also known as the Hog Sphinx. This is one of our most common sphinx moths. I have found numerous individuals at my UV lights, every month from May through September.
Another Pandorus Sphinx moth, showing his hindwings. I have found these moths from July through early October.
Pandorus Sphinx moths feed on wild grape and Virginia creeper vines, both of which are abundant near my house (which explains why I find these moths at my lights).
Azalea Sphinx, photographed May 12, 2018, at Hocking Hills. I have not yet found this pretty, rosy-pink species in our area.
Virginia Creeper Sphinx, hanging out at Spring Lakes Park in Bellbrook.
Twin-spotted Sphinx, photographed May 26, 2020, at Spring Lakes Park in Bellbrook. I was looking for dragonflies, when to my surprise, I found this beautiful sphinx moth resting right by the edge of the water. This is the only Twin-spotted Sphinx I have seen. Notice how the blue eyespot is divided by a black line, forming a figure 8 shape.
Virginia Creeper Sphinx moths have orange hindwings (usually hidden while the moth is at rest).
Blinded Sphinx moth, photographed on July 3, 2022, at Hocking Hills. I have not yet found this moth in our area. Very similar to the Small-eyed Sphinx above, but Blinded Sphinx moths have a wavy dark shape on their head, and they lack the golden highlights of a Small-eyed Sphinx.
Small-Eyed Sphinx moth, photographed May 13, 2023 at Hocking Hills (eastern Ohio).