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Pawpaw sphinx

Pawpaw sphinx

Dolba hyloeus

A species of Dolba, Also known as Black alder sphinx

The pawpaw sphinx (Dolba hyloeus) earns this adorable name by its love of feasting on pawpaw plants It is also pretty similar to the Rustic sphinx, but it is in a much smaller form. They can be identified with a combination of brown, black, and white wings.

General Info About Pawpaw sphinx
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Attributes of Pawpaw sphinx
Colors
Brown
Black
White
Habitat
bottomland forest
Adult Food Sources
Nectar from various flowering plants such as lonicera (honeysuckle), phlox, and verbena
Larva Food Source
Leaves of pawpaw (asimina triloba), small-flowered pawpaw (asimina parviflora), dwarf pawpaw (asimina pygmaea)
Biting/stinging
Not reported
Borer
Not reported
Pollinator
The Pawpaw 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 Pawpaw 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
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Species Status of Pawpaw sphinx
It is found in the United States.
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Distribution Area of Pawpaw sphinx
Throughout the eastern United States
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Life Cycle of Pawpaw sphinx
Egg In the egg stage, pawpaw sphinx is a small, typically spherical or oval object. The egg's coloration ranges from white to pale, often blending with the environment to avoid predation.
Larva The larva of pawpaw sphinx is worm-like, with a soft body that may have stripes or spots for camouflage. It feeds voraciously on host plants, increasing significantly in size.
Pupal After several growth spurts, pawpaw sphinx enters the pupal stage, forming a cocoon or chrysalis. This stage is marked by transformation, where tissues break down and reorganize.
Adult Emerging from the pupa, the adult pawpaw sphinx has wings and reproductive structures. The exoskeleton is vibrant, with wing patterns for mating displays and deterrence of predators.
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Predators of Adult Pawpaw sphinx
Birds, bats, spiders, other predatory insects
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Interesting Facts About Pawpaw sphinx
Pawpaw sphinx larvae can camouflage by mimicking the hues and shapes of surrounding leaves, concealing them from predators.
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Scientific Classification of Pawpaw sphinx
Tips for Finding Pawpaw sphinx
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Youth Habitat of Pawpaw sphinx
Forests and Woodlands, Urban and Suburban Areas
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Adult Habitat of Pawpaw sphinx
Forests and Woodlands, Grasslands and Prairies, Urban and Suburban Areas, Agricultural and Cultivated Areas
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How Can You Attract Pawpaw sphinx
Sweet nectar plants or artificial nectar sources can be used to attract pawpaw sphinx during its adult stage.
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What is the Best Weather to Observe Pawpaw sphinx
Warm, calm, and humid nights are the most suitable weather conditions for finding pawpaw sphinx as they prefer to fly and feed under such conditions.
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How and Where Can You Find Pawpaw sphinx at Different Life Stages
Egg Pawpaw sphinx eggs are usually laid singly on the underside of host plant leaves. Find them by inspecting the leaves of known host plants carefully, using a magnifying glass if necessary.
Larva Pawpaw sphinx larvae can be found on or near their host plants. Searching for signs of feeding such as chewed leaves or frass (larval excrement) can help locate them.
Pupal Pawpaw sphinx pupae can be difficult to find as they may be buried in soil or concealed in leaf litter. Look for them in the soil at the base of host plants or within the top layer of organic debris.
Adult Pawpaw sphinx adults are attracted to light and nectar sources. Using light traps or setting up bait stations with sweet substances can draw them in for observation or capture.
Are Pawpaw sphinx harmful?
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Harmful Effects of Pawpaw sphinx
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Hurt Plant

The pawpaw sphinx causes damage primarily through feeding on pawpaw (Asimina triloba) plants, where the leaves and stems are chewed. This action on the plant tissues can lead to defoliation and the disruption of vital plant processes. Over time, the destruction of leaf and stem tissues can impair the plant's ability to photosynthesize, stunting growth and reducing overall vigor.

More Effects of Pawpaw sphinx

Beneficial Effects of Pawpaw sphinx
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Pollinator
Pollinator
Attract Plant Feature
Color, Smell
Pawpaw sphinx are nocturnal pollinators, often attracted by the color and scent of certain night-blooming flowers. While feeding on nectar, they inadvertently pick up pollen and transport it between flowers, assisting in plant reproduction. Their long proboscis allows them to reach deep into the flower's structure.
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