White-lined sphinx moth

Open habitats including gardens, grasslands, deserts, woodland edges, and urban areas across much of North and Central America.

Adults drink nectar from flowers, often while hovering; caterpillars feed on many plants, including evening primrose, purslane, grape, and tomato relatives.

Mostly nocturnal and strong-flying, with rapid wingbeats and hovering similar to hummingbirds. Several generations may occur annually; larvae often wander before pupating in soil.

Harmless to people and nonvenomous. Adults are important nighttime pollinators, while caterpillars can occasionally defoliate garden plants but rarely cause major damage.