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Virginia Creeper Sphinx

Darapsa myron

Darapsa myron, commonly known as the Virginia Creeper Sphinx, is a large moth found throughout North America. Its forewings have a range of colors, from pale tan to dark brown, and they are marked with intricate patterns that can include white or cream-colored spots. The hindwings are orange, which creates a striking contrast against the forewings.

As a member of the Sphingidae family, the Virginia Creeper Sphinx is known for its strong and swift flight. It has a wingspan of up to 4 inches and can easily be mistaken for a hummingbird as it hovers near flowers while feeding on nectar.

One fun fact about the Virginia Creeper Sphinx is that its caterpillar feeds on a variety of plants, including Virginia creeper, grapevine, and tomato. When threatened, the caterpillar can inflate its thorax, making it appear larger and more intimidating to predators.

The species name, myron, is derived from the Greek word “myron,” which means “sweet oil.” This may refer to the moth’s habit of collecting nectar from flowers, which is a source of sweet liquid.

Habitat
forests, fields, and suburban areas
Scientific Name
Darapsa myron
Wing Span
45mm to 65mm
General Size
Average
Wing Color
brown
brown
Marking's Color
brown
brown
orange
orange
Markings Pattern
Color Patches

Characteristics describe the physical and behavioral traits that distinguish a species from others. This section helps readers identify and differentiate between similar species, aiding in species identification and reducing the chance of misidentification.

Identifying Characteristics

  1. Dark green/olive patches on forewings

  2. Dark discal spot on a pale median area

  3. Orange on hindwing

The chart displays the months of the year on the x-axis and observations of a particular species on the y-axis, indicating the time of year when each species is most commonly observed. This chart can assist moth watchers and researchers in predicting the best times and locations to observe specific moth species.

A range map is a visual representation of a species' geographical distribution, and it helps naturalists and field researchers quickly determine if a species is likely to be found in a given area, aiding in identification, conservation, and habitat management efforts.