The white-lined sphinx moth (Hyles lineata) has long, narrow, triangular forewings that are dark brown with a diagonal line of white slashing up to the tip. The hindwings are shorter with alternating waves of dark brown-pink-brown. The body is stout as in most sphinx moths, with vertical white lines running parallel on the brown head and thorax, with horizontal bars of white and dark brown on the abdomen in two columns. They are primarily nocturnal but are sometimes seen during the day.
The caterpillars are variable in color. Caterpillars in the Midwest are typically green (dark to lime green) with a series of black stripes running along the body with yellow and orange or pink dots. All caterpillars have a pointed horn at the back end. This horn may be yellow or orange and may have a black tip.
Size
Large: 1–2 inches (30–50mm)
Wingspan
5–3.5 inches
Active periods
April–October, peak June–August
Food Source
Caterpillars: Evening primrose, Apple family plants, grape, tomato, and purslane
Adults: Will visit a wide range of flowers including cardinal flower, columbine, evening primrose, honeysuckle, hosta, Jimson weed, lilac, penstemon, petunia, and phlox
Overwintering
Underground as pupae
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Photos:
Moth: “Hummingbird moth or white lined sphinx m” (Public Domain) by USFWS Mountain Prairie
Caterpillar: Ken Johnson, University of Illinois Extension
