Explanation of Names
Latin quinque- "five" + maculata- "spotted"
Identification
Similar to Carolina Sphinx, but has five pairs of spots on abdomen, not six. Zig-zag lines on hindwing are sharp, separated by white.
The caterpillar has eight v-shaped stripes rather than the seven diagonal stripes of the similar Tobacco Hornworm (larva of Carolina Sphinx). The horn is also straight and blue-black rather than orange, yellow red. Unfortunately many images of these caterpillars found on the internet are misidentified. See
National Gardening Association website for correctly indentified image of larva.
Range
Includes eastern North America. More common in southern states, especially along the Gulf Coast.
Food
Larvae feed on tomato, tobacco, and relatives (Solanaceae).
Adults take nectar from flowers including Japanese honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica), petunia (Petunia hybrida), bouncing bet (Saponaria officinalis), tobacco (Nicotiana), and phlox (Phlox).
Life Cycle
Pupates in soil and overwinters at that stage.
Remarks
Caterpillars are sometimes a pest of cultivated plants.
Adults fly at dusk.
Print References
Covell, p. 32, plate 3 #4
Salsbury, p. 323--photo of specimen, adult
(1)
