Common Name - Leafy Spurge Hawk Moth

Phylum: Arthropoda

Class: Insecta

Order: Lepitdoptera

Family: Sphingidae

The Sphingidae are commonly known as sphinx or hawk moths.  Their caterpillars are often known as hornworms based off the presence of what appears to be a dangerous thorny projection at the end of the abdomen. They are given their name based upon the fact that their caterpillars tend to feed on plants in the spurge (Euphorbiaceae) family.  They are most seen in their caterpillar stage, likely due to their bright coloration.

The adults can reach sizes up to three inches (from wing tip to wing tip). Their forewings are often drab in color (olive/brown) but their beauty lies underneath.  The hind wings, which are often covered by forewings, have bright red/pink or orange stripes.

Because of their diet as caterpillars, if consumed can make predatory animals quite sick.  However, for humans (unless you decide to gobble one down) they are considered beneficial insects that help control leafy spurge populations and pollinate both natural and landscape flowers quite readily.