Common Name: Clavipes Sphinx
Ecology and Life History: This is a diurnal sphingid resident only in the extreme points of Southern Texas. Due to its tendency to wander, it may be found in most of the US Southwest. It can be found year-round and is often seen nectaring at flowers. Ovae are laid singly on hostplants (2). Pupation occurs not deep underground, but rather on the ground’s surface in a small silken cocoon (2).
Habitat and Searching for Larvae: {Coming Soon!}

Rearing Notes: {Coming Soon!}

Adult Description: This is a small moth (forewings 28-33mm in length) with an overall dark appearance. There is a white band on the abdomen. Aellopos species can be difficult to identify. The forewings of this species are black with a pinkish band in the middle around the discal spot. There are three white markings in the outer margin of the forewing. These three markings help differentiate this species from the similar Aellopos titan which has four white markings and the similar Aellopos tantalus which occurs in Florida and has no white markings. The hindwings of this species are black.
Larval Description: 
L5: This is a green sphingid larva (sometimes occurring in brown) with 7 white diagonal stripes on the sides of the abdomen. There is an additional pair of white streaks on the thoracic segments of the larva coming away from the head. The last white streak is significantly thicker and leads to the green caudal horn. There is a small yellow granular collar behind the head. To separate this species from the similar Aellopos titan, examine the first and last diagonal stripe on the side of the larva. In this species, the white streaks are not outlined in black like they are in Aellopos titan. The spiracles of this species are brown whereas they are orange in Aellopos titan (2). 

​Hostplants:

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(C) Martin Reid

(C) Mark Buijtendijk

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