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

White-lined Sphinx Moth (Hyles lineata)


Detailing the physical features, habits, territorial reach and other identifying qualities of the White-lined Sphinx Moth


Loading SVG image placeholder
1/15
Image Credit: Rusty C. from East Dundee, IL
Full-sized image of the White-lined-Sphinx-Moth Thumbnail image of the White-lined-Sphinx-Moth
2/15
Image Credit: Hugo B., taken near Barstow, CA
Full-sized image #2 of the White-lined-Sphinx-Moth Thumbnail image #2 of the White-lined-Sphinx-Moth
3/15
Image Credit: Anonymous, taken at the IL-WI border
Full-sized image #3 of the White-lined-Sphinx-Moth Thumbnail image #3 of the White-lined-Sphinx-Moth
4/15
Image Credit: Robin P. from Holland, MI
Full-sized image #4 of the White-lined-Sphinx-Moth Thumbnail image #4 of the White-lined-Sphinx-Moth
5/15
Image Credit: Hugo B., taken near Barstow, CA
Full-sized image #5 of the White-lined-Sphinx-Moth Thumbnail image #5 of the White-lined-Sphinx-Moth
6/15
Image Credit: D. and D.M.
Full-sized image #6 of the White-lined-Sphinx-Moth Thumbnail image #6 of the White-lined-Sphinx-Moth
7/15
Image Credit: Hugo B., taken at Harper Lake, CA
Full-sized image #7 of the White-lined-Sphinx-Moth Thumbnail image #7 of the White-lined-Sphinx-Moth
8/15
Image Credit: David S., taken in Granbury, TX
Full-sized image #8 of the White-lined-Sphinx-Moth Thumbnail image #8 of the White-lined-Sphinx-Moth
9/15
Image Credit: Alan S. from Long Grove, IL
Full-sized image #9 of the White-lined-Sphinx-Moth Thumbnail image #9 of the White-lined-Sphinx-Moth
10/15
Image Credit: Jane P. from Tucson, AZ
Full-sized image #10 of the White-lined-Sphinx-Moth Thumbnail image #10 of the White-lined-Sphinx-Moth
11/15
Image Credit: Captain A., taken in Perry County, KS
Full-sized image #11 of the White-lined-Sphinx-Moth Thumbnail image #11 of the White-lined-Sphinx-Moth
12/15
Image Credit: Hugo B., taken near Barstow, CA
Full-sized image #12 of the White-lined-Sphinx-Moth Thumbnail image #12 of the White-lined-Sphinx-Moth
13/15
Image Credit: Eric B., taken in Denton County, TX
Full-sized image #13 of the White-lined-Sphinx-Moth Thumbnail image #13 of the White-lined-Sphinx-Moth
14/15
Image Credit: Melissa C. from Battle Creek, MI
Full-sized image #14 of the White-lined-Sphinx-Moth Thumbnail image #14 of the White-lined-Sphinx-Moth
15/15
Image Credit: Eric B., taken in Denton County, TX
Full-sized image #15 of the White-lined-Sphinx-Moth Thumbnail image #15 of the White-lined-Sphinx-Moth

Streamlined and sleek White-lined Sphinx Moths are big, brown, and abundant across the continent.



Updated: 01/19/2024; Authored By Staff Writer; Content ©www.InsectIdentification.org
Sphinx moths are larger than most moths and the White-lined Sphinx Moth is no exception. Their forewings are mostly brown, but each has a thick white line that extends from the base by the head out toward the tip of the wing. Thin white lines cross this thicker one in spaced intervals from left to right. The tops of the hindwings have a flash of bright pink that is only visible when the moth completely spreads its forewings open.

The caterpillar comes in a wide variety of colors. The immature caterpillar is known to feed on a large variety of plants, but more mature ones tend to prefer evening primrose and roses. A more mature caterpillar is horned and can be black with yellow lines on the sides.

The White-lined Sphinx Moth hovers over flowers, much like a bird, and can be found in a variety of habitats. It is very hairy so it could be mistaken as a small bird if not closely observed. The species is active both day and at night. They are attracted to lights and many of them may congregate together at a light source at night. This species is known to have population explosions in drier parts of the country. Its enormous range covers most of North America.©InsectIdentification.org




Known Diet of the White-lined-Sphinx-Moth



purslane; primrose; rose
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
Striped or banded insect icon


Taxonomic Hierarchy


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

Identifying Information


Size, Colors, Features
Scientific Name: Hyles lineata
Other Name(s): Purslane Caterpillar
Category: Butterfly or Moth
Size (Adult; Length): 63mm to 90mm (2.48" to 3.54")
Colorwheel Graphic Colors: brown; white; black; ivory; pink; tan
Descriptors: stripe; pink; large; flying

White-lined-Sphinx-Moth Video(s)




A White-lined Sphinx in slow motion, courtesy of Troy D..
A White-lined Sphinx taking nectar from flowers.


Relative Size Comparison


Typical Size Between 63mm (2.5in) and 90mm (3.5in)
Lo: 63mm
Md: 76.5mm
Hi: 90mm

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 White-lined 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 White-lined 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)