This is Darapsa choerilus (Azalea Sphinx). This species, like many Sphingidae, exhibits a dark form and a standard green form. Pictured here is the dark form of this species. This coloration is the subject of my PhD project, the aim is to try and reliably induce the desired color morph. Some species have multiple, which makes my work even more fun. Darapsa is a wonderful genus, I've posted a lot of Darapsa versicolor lately, so I figured the other two species should share a bit of the limelight. This larva was recovered in Carbon Co., PA in the Poconos. It was found feeding on Kalmia latifolia (Mountain Laurel), but is happily munching away on Viburnum in the lab. #Sphingidae #SphingidaeUSA #Darapsa #Darapsachoerilus #AzaleaSphinx #Hawkmoths #SphinxMoths #Insects #Caterpillar #GradWork #Projects #Moth #Lepidoptera #Entomology https://www.instagram.com/p/B19wz4gA_5T/?igshid=r4u50et2b3ej
