Hawkmoth

Manduca rustica, the rustic sphinx, is a moth of the family Sphingidae. The species was first described by Johan Christian Fabricius in 1775.

Distribution: It is found in the southern parts of the United States (straying into the northern United States at times), southward through Mexico, Central America and South America to Uruguay.

 Biology: The larvae feed on a variety of plants including Jasminum, Bignonia and Chilopsis. Larvae have been recorded on plants from a variety of families, including Bignoniaceae, Oleaceae, Verbenaceae, Convolvulaceae and Lamiaceae.

The species is widespread and adaptable, living in varied habitats from rainforests to deserts and thriving in urban and disturbed habitat. It can live on many types of native and exotic plants.

Subspecies: 

• Manduca rustica cortesi (Cary, 1963) (Mexico)
• Manduca rustica cubana (Wood, 1915) (Cuba, Jamaica)
• Manduca rustica calapagensis (Holland, 1889) (Galápagos Islands)
• Manduca rustica harterti (Rothschild, 1894) (Lesser Antilles, including Bonaire and St. Lucia)
• Manduca rustica rustica (Americas)