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Tetrio sphinx moth

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description Tetrio sphinx moth Overview

The tetrio sphinx moth, Pseudosphinx tetrio, is a large hawk moth native to tropical and subtropical parts of the Americas, with a range extending from Florida and the Caribbean through Central America into South America. Its conspicuous caterpillars have black-and-yellow bands, red heads, and long black tail horns. The larvae commonly feed on frangipani, or Plumeria, and other plants in the dogbane family.

help Tetrio sphinx moth FAQ

What do tetrio sphinx moth caterpillars look like?

The caterpillars of the tetrio sphinx moth are incredibly conspicuous, featuring bold black-and-yellow bands along their large bodies. They also possess a prominent orange horn on their rear end, which makes them highly visible on the plants they devour.

What plant does the tetrio sphinx moth caterpillar eat?

These caterpillars are notorious for feeding voraciously on toxic plants, particularly those in the dogbane family like the Frangipani tree. They are completely immune to the plant's toxic sap, storing the toxins in their own bodies to make themselves poisonous to predators.

Where can the tetrio sphinx moth be found?

This large hawk moth is native to tropical and subtropical regions across the Americas. Their range extends from southern Florida and the Caribbean, reaching all the way down through Central America into parts of South America.

Are tetrio sphinx moth caterpillars harmful to humans?

While the caterpillars look intimidating due to their size and bright warning colors, they are generally harmless to humans and do not sting. However, their bright yellow and black banding is an evolutionary warning to birds and other predators that they are toxic to eat.

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