Paonias excaecatus, the blinded sphinx, is a moth of the family Sphingidae. The species was first described by James Edward Smith in 1797.

It is found in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island, and across the rest of Canada all the way to British Columbia. In the United States it ranges south to Florida in the east, and westward to eastern California and as far south as central Texas.

Distribution

The wingspan is 60–85 mm. Adult moths are nocturnal; after a brief bout of activity after dusk, they seem to prefer the later hours of the night.
 The eggs are greenish yellow and small. Hornworms hatch after about 8 days. Primary food sources for the larvae are deciduous trees such as willows, birch and cherries, as well as shrubberies, like ninebark and roses. Like the rest of the family Sphingidae, they burrow shallowly into soil to pupate. Once they leave their pupa, the adults almost immediately mate. Adults do not feed.

Description

Paonias excaecata, commonly known as the Blinded Sphinx moth, is considered a tree pest because its larvae feed on the leaves of various tree species, potentially causing defoliation and damage to the trees.

tree pest

Paonias excaecata can be considered garden pests because their larvae feed on the leaves of various garden plants, which can lead to defoliation and damage to the plants, impacting their overall health and appearance.

garden pest

Paonias excaecata can be considered crop pests because their larvae have been known to feed on the leaves of certain crop plants, such as apple and cherry trees, potentially causing damage and reducing crop yields.

crop pest

Paonias excaecata is considered a pest because its larvae feed on the leaves of trees, garden plants, and certain crop plants, causing defoliation and potential damage to the plants, which can impact their health and productivity.

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What does a blinded sphinx moth eat?

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