Pachylia ficus

Common Name(s): Fig Sphinx

Ecology:

Adult description:
This is a large distinctive sphingid, forewings are 53-68mm in length (1). The overall color of this moth is brown, however fresh specimens and several populations in South Florida have a green color. The apex of the forewings has a light patch, usually olive green in color. There is often assorted black streaking on the forewings, much more noticeable in females, but may be faint in males (1). The hindwings are a nice green color with a black base and a black line in the middle and a bright white spot on the anal angle. There are no similar species in the US when taking into account the large size and coloration of this moth.

Larval description:
L5: The larva is highly variable. Final instars can either be black and white in color and resemble bark, or they can be green or blue. The horn is greatly reduced, but not fully absent. The green or blue form larvae have two yellow dorsal stripes that run from head to the horn. The dorsal part of the larva in these forms is much darker than the rest of the larvae. There are also white abdominal streaks that bisect the orange spiracles in these forms. The head capsule is blue-green and has two white lines on it. The bark mimic form is much plainer in comparison, having only brown and white splotching. The spiracles are black in this form, and the head capsule is usually brown instead of green-blue and has black lines instead of white. Prepupal larvae are quite striking, the dorsal region turns bright orange and the rest of the larva becomes turquoise.

Host plants:

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L5 (C) Teá Kesting-Handly

The gallery to the left contains photos of Pachylia ficus adults. If you have a photo that you would like to submit to us, please contact us.

The gallery to the right contains photos of Pachylia ficus larval and pupal stages. If you have a photo that you would like to submit to us, please contact us.