Young collectors call this species “salt and pepper.” In its larval stage it is commonly known as the “tobacco hornworm.”
This sphinx moth was found clinging to a wall at a gas station on top of White Oak Mountain alongside US 29, just south of Dry Fork in Pittsylvania County, Virginia.
Related information is posted on the White-lined Sphinx, the Ash Sphinx, and hornworms.
Also see this illustration in larger format.
Copyright © 2007 William T. Hathaway.