Try for Free
tab list
Picture Insect
English
arrow
English
繁體中文
日本語
Español
Français
Deutsch
Pусский
Português
Italiano
한국어
Nederlands
العربية
Home Application Download FAQ
English
English
繁體中文
日本語
Español
Français
Deutsch
Pусский
Português
Italiano
한국어
Nederlands
العربية
Icon about
About
Icon about
General Info
Icon about
Search Tips
Icon about
Harmful or Not
Icon about
Beneficial Effects
Icon about
Common FAQs
Icon about
Similar Insects
Icon about
Popular Insects
Catalpa sphinx

Catalpa sphinx

Ceratomia catalpae

A species of Ceratomia, Also known as Catalpa hornworm

The catalpa sphinx (Ceratomia catalpae) flies at night and lays eggs under host leaves or on branches of deciduous woodlands. The caterpillars typically eat catalpa species, which they can cause damage to. Wasps will sometimes parasitize the caterpillars by laying eggs inside them and using them as hosts.

General Info About Catalpa sphinx
Instantly identify insects with a snap
Snap a photo for instant insect ID and risk assessment, gaining quick insights on bite assessment, toxicity, pest control, behavior, habitat, and safe interaction tips, etc.
Download the App for Free
Rectangle
Attributes of Catalpa sphinx
Colors
Brown
Black
Gray
Allergy-causing
Not reported
Defensive attack
Not reported
Venomous
Not reported
Non-poisonous
The Catalpa sphinx is non-toxic and generally doesn't pose a risk to human health. No need for excessive worry.
Borer
Not reported
Pollinator
The Catalpa sphinx is often found near the corolla, where its fluffy hairs easily pick up pollen, assisting in the pollination of the plant.
Pest-Eating Predatory
Not reported
Phytophagous
The Catalpa sphinx feeds on plants, usually without causing significant harm. However, it's important to take the situation seriously if their numbers begin to increase significantly.
Predatory
Not reported
Biting animal or pet
Not reported
Mouthparts Type
Siphoning mouthparts
qrcode
Img download isoImg download android
Rectangle
Species Status of Catalpa sphinx
It is a native of southeastern North America.
Rectangle
Distribution Area of Catalpa sphinx
Southeastern North America, Maine, Iowa, Florida, the Gulf States, Texas
Rectangle
Appearance of Catalpa sphinx
The egg is translucent, milky-white, green, or yellowish eggs are oval. The adult catalpa sphinx is brown in color with a circular band of dark brown or black surrounding its thorax. Each forewing has a small, dark mark towards the middle, with a white dot in the cell. The body is approximately 3 cm long. The wingspan is 7 - 10 cm.
ImageImageImageImageImage

How to Identify Catalpa sphinx?

Rectangle
Life Cycle of Catalpa sphinx
Egg The egg stage is the initial phase of the catalpa sphinx's life cycle. Here, the eggs are laid by the adult, often on the underside of leaves. They are small, immobile, and vary in color, usually matching the plant to enhance camouflage.
Larva As a larva, the catalpa sphinx is often worm-like in appearance, focusing on feeding and growth. This stage sees multiple molts, each time increasing in size. Larvae can have varied colors, including protective patterns to deter predators.
Pupal Entering the pupal stage, the catalpa sphinx encapsulates itself in a chrysalis, attached to a substrate. During this time, the insect undergoes a drastic transformation, reorganizing its body structure. The chrysalis may blend into its surroundings for protection.
Adult Emerging from the pupa, the adult catalpa sphinx displays vibrant colors on its wings and body, signifying sexual maturity. The adult's functions include searching for mates and laying eggs. This stage shows the most mobility and interaction with the environment.
Rectangle
Adult Size of Catalpa sphinx
4 - 9 cm
Rectangle
Predators of Catalpa sphinx Larvae
Birds, rodents, parasitic wasps, praying mantises
Rectangle
Predators of Adult Catalpa sphinx
Bats, birds, spiders
Rectangle
Scientific Classification of Catalpa sphinx
Tips for Finding Catalpa sphinx
Your ultimate guide to understanding insects
Unlock the secrets of insect life cycles, habitats, behaviors and observation tips!!
Download the App for Free
Rectangle
How Can You Attract Catalpa sphinx
For adult catalpa sphinx, sweet-smelling attractants such as ripened fruits or floral-scented baits can be used as traps. For caterpillars, leaves from the host plant, commonly the Catalpa tree, can serve as bait.
Rectangle
Habitat Preferences of Catalpa sphinx Through Different Life Stages
The eggs of catalpa sphinx are usually found on the underside of leaves of the Catalpa tree, which the caterpillars also use as their primary food source upon hatching. As the caterpillars mature, they can be seen with greater frequency along the branches and stems, vigorously consuming the foliage. Pupation typically occurs in the soil underneath the host tree, where the pupae remain buried until they metamorphose into adults. Adult catalpa sphinx moths are most commonly encountered near the canopy of the Catalpa tree during the night, as they are nocturnal, but they may also be found around lights or sources of nectar.
Rectangle
When is the Best Time to Observe Catalpa sphinx
Adult catalpa sphinx are usually active during dusk or at night, while caterpillars can be observed during the daytime. It's best to search for them when they are most active.
Rectangle
What is the Best Weather to Observe Catalpa sphinx
Mild, warm weather without strong winds or rain is the most suitable condition for finding catalpa sphinx as extreme temperatures and precipitation can decrease their activity.
Rectangle
How and Where Can You Find Catalpa sphinx at Different Life Stages
Egg Catalpa sphinx eggs are laid on the underside of leaves, particularly on the caterpillar's host plants. To find them, inspect the leaves of likely host plants carefully.
Larva Catalpa sphinx caterpillars are found on or near their food sources, which are typically Catalpa tree leaves. Look for chewed leaves or frass (caterpillar droppings) as indicators of their presence.
Pupal Catalpa sphinx pupae may be in the soil or in leaf litter near the host plants. Searching the ground carefully, especially around the base of the host plants, can reveal their pupae.
Adult Catalpa sphinx adults are moths that are attracted to light and food sources such as nectar. Observing around light sources after dusk or using baited traps with sweet substances can help in locating them.
Are Catalpa sphinx harmful?
Your Complete Pest Control Guide
Discover effective tips for preventing and eliminating pest infestations to keep bugs away from your home.
Download the App for Free
Beneficial Effects of Catalpa sphinx
Discover the hidden benefits of insects
Explore how insects help as pollinators, pest predators, and biocontrol agents. From seed dispersal to decomposition, they play vital roles in our ecosystem.
Download the App for Free
Pollinator
Pollinator
Prefer Plant Type
Strong-Scents Flowers
Pollination Behavior Reason
Eat Pollen Or Nectar
Catalpa sphinx is adept at hovering and feeding on the nectar of scented flowers with its long proboscis. During this process, it inadvertently collects and transfers pollen, aiding in the cross-pollination of plants it visits.
Common Questions People Also Ask
Get Quick Insect Answers with a Snap
Snap a photo for instant insect ID and answers on bites, toxicity, pest control, behavior, habitat, and safety tips!
Download the App for Free
More Insects that are Similar to Catalpa sphinx
Titan sphinx
Titan sphinx

The wingspan is 6 - 7 cm . The body is dark brown with a wide white stripe across the abdomen. The wings are dark brown and the upperside of the forewing has a black spot at the end of the cell and two bands of translucent white spots. The upperside of the hindwing has pale patches along the costa and inner margin.

Read More
Arrow
Mango hawkmoth
Mango hawkmoth

The wingspan is 13 - 17 cm .

Read More
Arrow
Elibia dolichus
Elibia dolichus

Elibia dolichus is a moth of the family Sphingidae first described by John O. Westwood in 1847. It is found in Nepal, north-eastern India, Bangladesh, Thailand, southern China, Malaysia (Peninsular, Sarawak, Sabah), Indonesia (Sumatra, Kalimantan, Java) to the Philippines (Palawan Island).

Read More
Arrow
Mournful sphinx
Mournful sphinx

The mournful sphinx (Enyo lugubris) most likely gets its name from the somber colors that make us think of a desert environment, with deep, dark browns. Other people think that it may be related to its droopy posture, but this is just speculation. The insect is also attracted to lights, meaning it flies and is difficult to spot during the nighttime.

Read More
Arrow
Southern pine sphinx
Southern pine sphinx

The wingspan is 50–57 mm. The forewing is grey with two or three black stripes in the middle of the wing. Other marking are vague.

Read More
Arrow
Northern pine sphinx
Northern pine sphinx

The wingspan is 45–60 mm.

Read More
Arrow
Tetrio sphinx
Tetrio sphinx

The distinct larva of tetrio sphinx is recognizable by its rugged, yellow and black striped body with a red posterior horn, while the adult transitions into a creature with shades of grey, brown, and black veiled wings. Indigenous to tropical climates, this species primarily feeds on the leaves of Apocynaceae family plants during its larval stage, and as an adult, it exhibits a promiscuous pollen-transfer behavior, which contributes to plant biodiversity by pollinating a variety of tropical flora.

Read More
Arrow
Cerberonoton rubescens
Cerberonoton rubescens

Read More
Arrow
Other Popular Insects
Western honey bee
Western honey bee

Western honey bee(Apis mellifera) is the most common species of honeybee in the world. Among the first domesticated insects, its cultural and economic impact on humanity has been vast and far-reaching, providing honey, wax and its services as a pollinator. Western honey bee faces challenges worldwide, such as colony collapse disorder, and populations are thought to be decreasing.

Read More
Arrow
Monarch butterfly
Monarch butterfly

The monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus) is the most recognizable butterfly in North America. It is best known for its appearance, but should be better known for the fact that it has a 3000-mile migration that takes the butterfly 4 generations to complete. Their diet is also a natural deterrent for predators, as they eat milkweed, a poison that induces vomiting.

Read More
Arrow
Japanese rhinoceros beetle
Japanese rhinoceros beetle

The japanese rhinoceros beetle (Trypoxylus dichotomus) is a massive beetle about the size of the palm of a hand. It's distinguished by its long Y-shaped horn, which it uses to fight other males with. It's a nocturnal bug that feeds on sap and sweet fruits. This species is sometimes kept as a pet due to its unique appearance and simple care requirements.

Read More
Arrow
Silkworm
Silkworm

The silken threads produced by silkworm during its larval stage have been highly coveted for millennia, manifesting as a luxurious fabric in human society. Remarkably, this creature has a singular diet, feeding exclusively on the leaves of its primary host plant from which it extracts the necessary nutrients to facilitate its transition into a non-feeding, winged adult.

Read More
Arrow
Menelaus blue morpho
Menelaus blue morpho

Menelaus blue morpho (Morpho menelaus) is a gorgeous butterfly with large, royal blue wings. Linnaeus named the genus Morpho the Aphrodite-Ancient Greek goddess of love and beauty for its extreme beauty. It is native to tropical rainforests. Though many butterfly gardens now cultivate them in captivity, there are still many people who never get a chance to see them.

Read More
Arrow
Atlas moth
Atlas moth

While the atlas moth (Attacus atlas) can't tell you where to find your country on the map, it does earn its name through other means. It is one of the largest moths in the world, with a wingspan that is far larger than its body, creating an abnormal comparison. In India, their silk is gathered in a non-commercial capacity and is considered to be more durable than the domestic silkworm.

Read More
Arrow
Flying peacock spider
Flying peacock spider

Both sexes reach about 5 mm in body length. Females and immatures of both sexes are brown but have color patterns by which they can be distinguished from related species. Also, the males dance to attract females.

Read More
Arrow
Multicolored asian ladybeetle
Multicolored asian ladybeetle

Often confused for the ladybug, multicolored asian ladybeetle (Harmonia axyridis) is a separate species that, unlike the ladybug, is a household pest. It is considered particularly annoying for its habit of returning to places from which it is removed. One of the most variable species in the world, there are many different colors and patterns multicolored asian ladybeetle may display, making identification potentially difficult.

Read More
Arrow