Common Name: Half-Blind Sphinx

Ecology and Life History:
This moth is active year-round in South Florida, and presumably also in South Texas, though it is unclear whether or not it is resident there. Adults are attracted to light, but can also be seen nectaring at flowers at dusk. Baiting trees in the right habitat may yield a curious adult. This species is not sexually dimorphic, though males are smaller than females.
Eggs are laid on the new growth of their hostplants, Velvetseed (Guettarda scabra) and Tawnyberry Holly (Ilex krugiana) (2). Larvae feed on the undersides of the leaves, hiding along the mid-vein (2). 

Habitat and Searching for Larvae:
Tuttle notes that larvae occupy two distinctly different habitats in South Florida. Some inhabit pinelands and feed on Velvetseed (2). Others, occupy hammocks and feed on Tawnyberry Holly (2). Interestingly, the two do not mix and larvae eating one will not accept the other (2). Larvae can be found virtually anywhere on the plant, though they prefer new growth. Larvae are present year-round in South Florida. It is unknown whether this species fluoresces under UV light.

Rearing Notes: {COMING SOON}

Host plants:

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(C) Teá Kesting-Handly

Adult Description: This is a small, fairly variable moth, with forewings 24-27mm (2). The forewings are brown, and usually are lighter in the submarginal area. This species is most easily determined by the hindwings (2). This species has black hindwings, with a yellow band occupying the inner margin. There is a blue spot on the anal angle. 

Larval Description: This is a bright green larva with a bluish head capsule. There is a yellow, granulose collar behind the head. It is a fairly plain looking larva. There is a white or cream dorsal stripe, and matching abdominal streaks above the spiracles. The last abdominal streak is much thicker and leads to the greenish (or sometimes blue-green) caudal horn.

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