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
Harmful Effects
Icon about
Beneficial Effects
Icon about
Common FAQs
Icon about
Similar Insects
Icon about
Popular Insects
White-Lined Sphinx

White-Lined Sphinx

Hyles lineata

A species of Hyles, Also known as Purslane Caterpillar

The white-Lined Sphinx ( Hyles lineata) is a colorful furry moth with striped wings. It has a similar size of a hummingbird, and behaves like a hummingbird as well. It can fly extremely fast, and instantly swing from side to side while hovering just like a hummingbird. It feeds on nectar from a variety of flowers including petunia, honeysuckle, lilac, clovers, thistles, and jimson weed.

General Info About White-Lined 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 White-Lined Sphinx
Adult Food Sources
Lonicera (honeysuckle), mirabilis (four o'clock), nicotiana (tobacco), dianthus (carnation), and phlox
Larva Food Source
Epilobium (willowherb), oenothera (evening primrose), portulaca (purslane), fuchsia, and datura (jimsonweed)
Biting/stinging
Not reported
Allergy-causing
Not reported
Defensive attack
Not reported
Venomous
Not reported
Non-poisonous
The White-Lined Sphinx is non-toxic and generally doesn't pose a risk to human health. No need for excessive worry.
Borer
Not reported
Pollinator
The White-Lined 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 White-Lined 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
qrcode
Img download isoImg download android
Rectangle
Species Status of White-Lined Sphinx
This range extends from Central America to southern Canada through Mexico and most of the United States. They can also be found occasionally in the West Indies. Populations have also been seen in Eurasia and Africa.
Rectangle
Life Cycle of White-Lined Sphinx
Egg In this phase, the eggs of white-Lined Sphinx are typically laid on host plants. They are small, oval, and may possess colors that camouflage with the foliage to avoid predation.
Larva As larvae, white-Lined Sphinx exhibit a worm-like appearance with a segmented body. They feed voraciously on host plants, growing in size and may molt several times, changing colors and patterns for camouflage or warning.
Pupal The white-Lined Sphinx enters the pupal stage encased in a chrysalis. They undergo significant transformation internally, reorganizing into the adult form. This stage is motionless and may involve changes in coloration to blend in with the surroundings.
Adult Emerging from the pupa, the adult white-Lined Sphinx displays vibrant colors and patterns on its wings. The body is fully formed with functional reproductive organs. They are now mobile, nectar-feeding, and focus on reproduction.
Rectangle
Adult Size of White-Lined Sphinx
Wingspan 7 - 9 cm
Rectangle
Predators of White-Lined Sphinx Larvae
Birds, rodents, small mammals, lizards, spiders, other insect larvae
Rectangle
Predators of Adult White-Lined Sphinx
Bats, birds, spiders, rodents
Rectangle
Interesting Facts About White-Lined Sphinx
White-Lined Sphinx can hover midair like helicopters, a rare talent in the world of moths, enabling precise movements as they feed on nectar.
Rectangle
Scientific Classification of White-Lined Sphinx
Tips for Finding White-Lined 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
Youth Habitat of White-Lined Sphinx
Deserts and Arid Regions, Grasslands and Prairies, Urban and Suburban Areas, Agricultural and Cultivated Areas
Rectangle
Habitat Preferences of White-Lined Sphinx Through Different Life Stages
The eggs of white-Lined Sphinx are typically laid on the underside of host plant leaves, such as evening primrose or members of the Onagraceae family. The caterpillars, which hatch from these eggs, are found feeding on the leaves and flowers of their specific host plants. As they grow, they may be spotted on various parts of the plants during different instars. Later, when ready to pupate, the caterpillars descend into the soil or find shelter under surface debris to form their pupae. The emerging adult moths are nocturnal and are commonly found near nectar sources like honeysuckle or garden flowers where they feed. To search for white-Lined Sphinx at various stages, one would target these specific habitats: leaf undersides for eggs, host plants for caterpillars, the ground or debris for pupae, and flowering plants for adults at night.
Rectangle
When is the Best Time to Observe White-Lined Sphinx
The suitable time to find adult white-Lined Sphinx is usually at dusk or during the night, as they are primarily nocturnal and are attracted to light sources.
Rectangle
What is the Best Weather to Observe White-Lined Sphinx
Mild to warm weather, without strong winds or heavy rain, is ideal for finding white-Lined Sphinx, as these conditions are favorable for their activity.
Rectangle
How and Where Can You Find White-Lined Sphinx at Different Life Stages
Egg Eggs of white-Lined Sphinx are typically laid on the underside of host plant leaves. To find them, inspect leaves of known host plants, especially during the breeding season.
Larva The caterpillars or larvae of white-Lined Sphinx can be found on or near their host plants. Search by carefully scanning the plants for larvae, which often have distinctive patterns or colors.
Pupal Pupae of white-Lined Sphinx can be found in the soil or in a sheltered area such as leaf litter near the host plants. Gently search through potential pupating areas without disturbing the habitat excessively.
Adult Adult white-Lined Sphinx are nocturnal and are attracted to light. They can be found by setting up a light trap at night, using a bright light to attract them towards a white sheet or surface where they can be observed or collected.
Are White-Lined 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
Harmful Effects of White-Lined Sphinx
Reveal the harmful impacts of diverse insects
Explore the dangers of insects related to toxicity, lethality, human biting, human stinging, pathogenicity, hematophagy, allergenicity, parasitism, etc.
Download the App for Free
Rectangle
Hurt Plant

When white-Lined Sphinx feeds on its host plants, such as apple, grape, and tomato, it chews on plant tissues, particularly the leaves and stems. This action results in defoliation and can significantly reduce photosynthetic capabilities, potentially leading to stunted growth and reduced yields in affected plants.

More Effects of White-Lined Sphinx

Beneficial Effects of White-Lined 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
Yellow Flowers, Evening-Primrose
Pollination Behavior Reason
Eat Pollen Or Nectar, Accidental Contamination While Feeding On Nectar
White-Lined Sphinx is attracted to vibrant colors and sweet scents of flowers like yellow blooms and evening-primroses. While seeking nectar, white-Lined Sphinx inadvertently collects and transfers pollen, thus playing a crucial role in the pollination of various plants.
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 White-Lined 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