×
BugFinder Insects by State Spiders Butterflies & Moths Bees, Ants, & Wasps Beetles All Bugs Videos (YouTube)

Rustic Sphinx Moth (Manduca rustica)


Detailing the physical features, habits, territorial reach and other identifying qualities of the Rustic Sphinx Moth


Loading SVG image placeholder
1/15
Image Credit: Buzz S. from Harlingen, TX
Full-sized image of the Rustic-Sphinx-Moth Thumbnail image of the Rustic-Sphinx-Moth
2/15
Image Credit: Gregg S.
Full-sized image #2 of the Rustic-Sphinx-Moth Thumbnail image #2 of the Rustic-Sphinx-Moth
3/15
Image Credit: Peggy S. from LA
Full-sized image #3 of the Rustic-Sphinx-Moth Thumbnail image #3 of the Rustic-Sphinx-Moth
4/15
Image Credit: Yvonne H. from Phoenix, AZ
Full-sized image #4 of the Rustic-Sphinx-Moth Thumbnail image #4 of the Rustic-Sphinx-Moth
5/15
Image Credit: Stacey A. from TX
Full-sized image #5 of the Rustic-Sphinx-Moth Thumbnail image #5 of the Rustic-Sphinx-Moth
6/15
Image Credit: Yvonne H. from Phoenix, AZ
Full-sized image #6 of the Rustic-Sphinx-Moth Thumbnail image #6 of the Rustic-Sphinx-Moth
7/15
Image Credit: Yvonne H. from Phoenix, AZ
Full-sized image #7 of the Rustic-Sphinx-Moth Thumbnail image #7 of the Rustic-Sphinx-Moth
8/15
Image Credit: Greg S.
Full-sized image #8 of the Rustic-Sphinx-Moth Thumbnail image #8 of the Rustic-Sphinx-Moth
9/15
Image Credit: Gregg S.
Full-sized image #9 of the Rustic-Sphinx-Moth Thumbnail image #9 of the Rustic-Sphinx-Moth
10/15
Image Credit: Steve K. from California, MD
Full-sized image #10 of the Rustic-Sphinx-Moth Thumbnail image #10 of the Rustic-Sphinx-Moth
11/15
Image Credit: Lisa W.
Full-sized image #11 of the Rustic-Sphinx-Moth Thumbnail image #11 of the Rustic-Sphinx-Moth
12/15
Image Credit: Daniel B. from Monmouth County, NJ
Full-sized image #12 of the Rustic-Sphinx-Moth Thumbnail image #12 of the Rustic-Sphinx-Moth
13/15
Image Credit: Kelly C. from Houston, TX
Full-sized image #13 of the Rustic-Sphinx-Moth Thumbnail image #13 of the Rustic-Sphinx-Moth
14/15
Image Credit: Judi M.
Full-sized image #14 of the Rustic-Sphinx-Moth Thumbnail image #14 of the Rustic-Sphinx-Moth
15/15
Image Credit: Denis O.
Full-sized image #15 of the Rustic-Sphinx-Moth Thumbnail image #15 of the Rustic-Sphinx-Moth

The salt-and-pepper Rustic Sphinx Moth is a big and beautiful specimen that prefers southern latitudes and sea-level altitudes.



Updated: 05/23/2023; Authored By Staff Writer; Content ©www.InsectIdentification.org
This striking, mammoth-sized moth is a member of the Sphinx family. The rich black and white speckled coloration of the Rustic Sphinx Moth is contained by sharp, short white 'dashes' on the edges of its hind wings. Hairy legs add to its charm. The mottled coloration, if looked at closely, reveals a zigzag pattern crossing the body from left to right. A small white dot is centered on each forewing. The caterpillar of this moth is a bright green color. It is smooth, lacking bristles. It has seven distinctive black and yellow stripes on each side, almost like slashes. Its gray face adds the only other color to the palette. The caterpillar eats the leaves of a variety of plants, adding to the adaptive nature of the insect.

This moth is well adapted to various types of warm climates. It can be found in arid, temperate and even tropical areas. It is most active at the end of summer and into fall when temperatures are at their highest in North America. Bougainvillea, petunias, and other aromatic flowers make fine places to observe them.

©InsectIdentification.org


Note: The above text is EXCLUSIVE to the site www.InsectIdentification.org. It is the product of hours of research and work made possible with the help of contributors, educators, and topic specialists. If you happen upon this text anywhere else on the internet or in print, please let us know at InsectIdentification AT gmail DOT com so that we may take appropriate action against the offender / offending site and continue to protect this original work.


General Characteristics


Capability, Shape, Texture/Pattern, Benefits, Dangers
Flying insect icon
Patterned insect icon


Taxonomic Hierarchy


Species Breakdown
Kingdom: Animalia
  Phylum: Arthropoda
    Class: Insecta
      Order: Lepidoptera
        Family: Sphingidae
View More
          Genus: Manduca
View More
            Species: rustica

Identifying Information


Size, Colors, Features
Scientific Name: Manduca rustica
Category: Butterfly or Moth
Size (Adult; Length): 87mm to 150mm (3.42" to 5.90")
Colorwheel Graphic Colors: black; white; gray; brown; yellow
Descriptors: spotted; large; speckled; flying


Relative Size Comparison


Typical Size Between 87mm (3.4in) and 150mm (5.9in)
Lo: 87mm
Md: 118.5mm
Hi: 150mm

Territorial Map*


U.S., Canada, and Mexico
State of Alabama graphic
State of Arizona graphic
State of Arkansas graphic
State of California graphic
State of Colorado graphic
State of Delware graphic
State of Florida graphic
State of Georgia graphic
State of Idaho graphic
State of Illinois graphic
State of Indiana graphic
State of Iowa graphic
State of Kansas graphic
State of Kentucky graphic
State of Louisiana graphic
State of Maine graphic
State of Maryland graphic
State of Michigan graphic
State of Minnesota graphic
State of Mississippi graphic
State of Missouri graphic
State of Montana graphic
State of Nebraska graphic
State of Nevada graphic
State of New England graphic
State of New Jersey graphic
State of New Mexico graphic
State of New York graphic
State of North Carolina graphic
State of North Dakota graphic
State of Ohio graphic
State of Oklahoma graphic
State of Oregon graphic
State of Pennsylvania graphic
State of South Carolina graphic
State of South Dakota graphic
State of Tennessee graphic
State of Texas graphic
State of Utah graphic
State of Virginia graphic
State of Washington graphic
State of West Virginia graphic
State of Wisconsin graphic
State of Wyoming graphic
Canadian territory of Alberta graphic
Canadian territory of British Columbia graphic
Canadian territory of Manitoba graphic
Canadian territory of New Brunswick graphic
Canadian territory of Newfoundland and Labrador graphic
Canadian territory of Ontario graphic
Canadian territory of Quebec graphic
Canadian territory of Saskatchewan graphic
Territory map graphic of the country of Mexico
Contiguous United States shape map layer graphic
Alaska  
Hawaii  
Prince Edward Is.  
* MAP NOTES: The territorial heat map above showcases (in red) the states and territories of North America where the Rustic Sphinx Moth may be found (but is not limited to). This sort of data is useful when attempting to see concentrations of particular species across the continent as well as revealing possible migratory patterns over a species' given lifespan. Some insects are naturally confined by environment, weather, mating habits, food resources and the like while others see widespread expansion across most, or all, of North America. States/Territories shown above are a general indicator of areas inhabited by the Rustic Sphinx Moth. Insects generally go where they please, typically driven by diet, environmental changes, and / or mating habits.
Site Disclaimer  |  Privacy Policy  |  Cookies  |  Sitemap
Beetle Identification Butterfly Identification Caterpillar Identification Spider ID Fungal Infections on Insects Nursery Web Spider Official State Insects Termite Basics Insect Molting Process Bugs of Tennessee House Centipede JoroSpider.org

2024 www.InsectIdentification.org • Content ©2006-2024 InsectIdentification.org • All Rights Reserved. The InsectIdentification.org logo, its written content, and watermarked photographs/imagery are unique to this website (unless where indicated) and is protected by all applicable domestic and international intellectual property laws. Material presented throughout this website is for entertainment value and should not to be construed as usable for scientific research or medical advice (regarding bites, etc...).Please consult licensed, degreed professionals for such information. By submitting images to us (InsectIdentification.org) you acknowledge that you have read and understood our Site Disclaimer as it pertains to "User-Submitted Content". Images in JPG format are preferred with a minimum horizontal dimension of 1000px if possible. When emailing please include your location and the general estimated size of the specimen in question if possible. Please direct all inquiries and comments to insectidentification AT gmail.com. No A.I. was used in the generation of this content.

©2024 www.InsectIdentification.org • All Rights Reserved • Content ©2006-2024 (18yrs)