Dolba hyloeus

Common Name(s): PawPaw Sphinx

Ecology and Life History: This moth can be found throughout the early Spring through early Fall throughout most of its range. In Florida, it can be found year-round. This species is quite common at light, but also can be found nectaring at flowers, especially Asclepias spp. Males and females of this species are nearly identical, with only marginal size differences. The larvae feed on many species of Ilex as well as Asimina trilobus.

Habitat and Searching for Larvae: This moth has very interesting hostplant habits, and therefore, can be found in a huge variety of habitats. In the middle-Atlantic region, in forests where there are plentiful Asimina trilobus, this species is reliably found by searching the leaves of mid-sized trees, especially the undersides of leaves near the petiole (1). However, in the Northeast, and places where Asimina doesn’t exist or grow, this moth happily uses Ilex as a host. When looking at Ilex, check at night. The larvae often feed quite openly toward the outsides or tops of plants. Because most species of Ilex lack the large round leaves of Asimina the larvae won’t hide on the leaves during the day, but rather on the stems toward the inside of the plant/bush (1).

Rearing Notes: This species seems to be quite easy to rear in captivity. Mating can be achieved relatively easily in a small cage and offering a branch of host plant for egg-laying. Adults will live longer if fed. Eggs are deposited on both surfaces of the leaf. Larvae should not be overcrowded, and will do well either indoors, in screen cages, or sleeved. Pupation is achieved using either the paper-towel method, or slightly moistened soil.

Adult description: This is a small moth, forewing only 22-30mm (2). This moth is overall a dark gray to dark black with lots of white blotching. The blotching is confined to only the outer part and very inner part of the forewings; there is a noticeable lack of blotching in the middle section. This moth can have some beautiful earthy brown hues on the forewing as well. In some populations, the maculation on the wings is barely noticeable. In other populations, the contrast is extremely high.1 There is a small but noticeable discal spot, generally cream or white in color. The hindwings of this species are dark, but have a large gray area in the center. The body of this moth is banded in black and white.

Larval description:
L5: The larvae are small, green to greenish-blue hornworms. The horn is blue-purple becoming more purple toward the tip. Like many other sphingids, the larva has 6 white stripes near the spiracle. Each stripe is highlighted by a smaller purple line underneath. The purple line does not continue into any other segment whereas the white line may. Each spiracle is purple and encircled by white.

Host plants:

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