Hog Sphinx (Darapsa myron), Fishers Island NY, July 2018.
Also known as the Virginia Creeper sphinx, caterpillars of these species can be found on vines in the grape family, which include Virginia creeper and peppervine. As adults, the moths take in nectar from flowers, and are active from dusk onward, where they often come to lights. The coloration of their wings at rest allow the moths to blend in with foliage, often as discolored leaves on a grapevine, for example.
An interesting note about the moth’s host plant use. Porcelainberry or Amur peppervine (Ampelopsis brevipedunculata) is an invasive species that has become dominant in forest edges throughout the eastern US, and it has been shown that our native hog sphinx can feed on it, since it is a plant species in the grape family and is recognized as a host plant. However, the sphinx caterpillars do not seem to do well on it, nor have populations of hog sphinx increased in areas where porcelainberry has become dominant. This suggests that the invasive plant does more harm than good for even the insects that can use it as a food source, and it removing the invasive would benefit wildlife far better than leaving it behind.
At least one generation in New England, with adults as early as June. Caterpillars overwinter as pupa.
