Tetrio Sphinx (Pseudosphinx tetrio) (Linnaeus, 1771) |
Synonyms: Sphinx tetrio, Sphinx hasdrubal, giant gray sphinx |
Pseudosphinx tetrio is native to the subtropical and tropical Americas from the southern United States to Brazil, and in the West Indies. Occasionally strays further north. It is found in various treed habitats, mostly in lowlands. A large sphinx; the wingspan 127-140 mm. The forewing is gray-brown, with blurry gray and white markings, and a dark spot at the base of the costal margin. The hindwing is dark brown. The body is striped with grey-white and black bands. The larva is black with yellow bands and a red-orange head; up 150 mm in length. The adult feeds on nectar of various flowers of the Apocynaceae, Caryocaraceae, Orchidaceae, etc. The host plants the dogbanes (Apocynaceae), including Allamanda and Plumeria spp.