The Small-eyed Sphinx is a small hawk moth with brown-patterned forewings and pink-and-black hindwings with small, modest eyespots that give it its common name. It is one of the most commonly encountered sphinx moths at lights across the eastern United States in late spring and summer. The fat, green caterpillar has oblique white side stripes.
Best time to see a Small-eyed Sphinx
The best time to see a Small-eyed Sphinx is June–July, when about 61% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 9,087 research-grade iNaturalist observations.
Not certain it is a Small-eyed Sphinx? What bug is this? walks through what to check first and the lookalikes that catch people out.
Recent Small-eyed Sphinx sightings near you
Live, research-grade observations from iNaturalist. Allow location to center the map on you.
Spotted a Small-eyed Sphinx?
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