The Elm Sphinx is a large hawk moth with a complex pattern of white and dark brown streaks on its forewing that provides excellent bark-camouflage by day. Its caterpillar is distinctive, bearing four conspicuous horns near the head rather than the single tail horn of most sphinx caterpillars. It flies at night and is attracted to lights.
Best time to see a Elm Sphinx
The best time to see a Elm Sphinx is May–July, when about 62% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 4,411 research-grade iNaturalist observations.
Not certain it is a Elm Sphinx? What bug is this? walks through what to check first and the lookalikes that catch people out.
Recent Elm Sphinx sightings near you
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