Hummingbird Moth Caterpillar (likely White-lined Sphinx)

Natural Habitat

Widely diverse habitats including gardens, fields, deserts, and suburban areas, depending on the availability of host plants.

Diet & Feeding

The caterpillars are herbivorous, feeding on a variety of plants. For Hyles lineata, common host plants include evening primrose, four o'clock, purslane, and various weeds and garden plants like fuchsia and honeysuckle.

Behavior Patterns

Caterpillars are typically solitary feeders. When disturbed, they may rear up their front segments in a sphinx-like posture. They spend their time feeding and growing before pupating in the soil or leaf litter. The adult moths are strong flyers and are often active during twilight hours, hovering like hummingbirds.

Risks & Benefits

Generally beneficial as pollinators in their adult stage. The caterpillars can be considered pests if they feed on cultivated plants in large numbers, but typically do not cause significant damage to established gardens. They are harmless to humans, not stinging or biting.

Identified on: 9/20/2025