πŸ¦‹ Butterflies & Moths

White-Lined Sphinx Moth

Hyles lineata

About White-Lined Sphinx Moth

A common sphinx moth with bold white stripes on its forewings and a pink-banded hindwing. It hovers at flowers like a hummingbird and is active at dusk.

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Did You Know?

During outbreak years, its caterpillars can be so numerous they cross roads in large numbers and are called armyworms.

How to Identify White-Lined Sphinx Moth

White-Lined Sphinx Moth (Hyles lineata) belongs to the order Lepidoptera, family Sphingidae. Adults typically measure 65-90 mm wingspan.

White-Lined Sphinx Moth Habitat

White-Lined Sphinx Moth is found in deserts & drylands habitats, particularly across Throughout North America from Canada to Central America. This species has adapted to thrive in its preferred environment, where it can find suitable food sources and shelter.

White-Lined Sphinx Moth Diet and Feeding

White-Lined Sphinx Moth feeds primarily on nectar from flowers. In doing so, it acts as an important pollinator, transferring pollen between plants and contributing to plant reproduction and biodiversity.

Where Is White-Lined Sphinx Moth Found?

White-Lined Sphinx Moth can be found in Throughout North America from Canada to Central America, where it inhabits deserts & drylands environments. Its distribution is influenced by climate, food availability, and habitat suitability.

Distribution Map

Where White-Lined Sphinx Moth can be found

Is White-Lined Sphinx Moth Dangerous?

White-Lined Sphinx Moth is generally harmless to humans. It does not bite or sting and poses no significant health risk. Like most insects, it prefers to avoid human contact and will typically flee rather than confront a perceived threat.

White-Lined Sphinx Moth Role in Nature

White-Lined Sphinx Moth plays an important role as a pollinator. By visiting flowers to feed on nectar or pollen, it transfers pollen between plants, aiding in reproduction and helping to maintain plant diversity. Pollinators are essential for the production of many fruits, vegetables, and wildflowers.

Seasonal Activity

Jan
Feb
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Dec
Peak activity Moderate Low / dormant

Frequently Asked Questions About White-Lined Sphinx Moth

What does White-Lined Sphinx Moth look like?

The White-Lined Sphinx Moth typically measures 65-90 mm wingspan.

Where is White-Lined Sphinx Moth found?

The White-Lined Sphinx Moth is found in Throughout North America from Canada to Central America and typically inhabits deserts & drylands environments.

What does White-Lined Sphinx Moth eat?

The White-Lined Sphinx Moth feeds primarily on nectar from flowers.

Is White-Lined Sphinx Moth dangerous to humans?

The White-Lined Sphinx Moth is generally harmless to humans. It does not bite or sting and poses no significant health risk.

What is an interesting fact about White-Lined Sphinx Moth?

During outbreak years, its caterpillars can be so numerous they cross roads in large numbers and are called armyworms.

Cite This Page

APA:
InsectDiscover. (2026). White-Lined Sphinx Moth (Hyles lineata). Retrieved from https://insectdiscover.com/insect/white-lined-sphinx-moth

MLA:
"White-Lined Sphinx Moth." InsectDiscover, https://insectdiscover.com/insect/white-lined-sphinx-moth.