The Tobacco Hornworm Moth, also called the Carolina Sphinx, is a large hawk moth with a gray-patterned forewing and six orange spots along its abdomen. Its large green caterpillar (the tobacco hornworm) is a well-known agricultural pest of tobacco and tomato crops. Adults are nocturnal, powerful fliers capable of hovering like hummingbirds while nectaring at flowers.
Best time to see a Tobacco Hornworm Moth
The best time to see a Tobacco Hornworm Moth is June–August, when about 62% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 27,062 research-grade iNaturalist observations.
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