Dolba hyloeus — Pawpaw Sphinx

(Drury, 1773)

Hodges# 7784

Etymology

Dolba: Likely is derived from the Latin word dolba meaning “grub” or “caterpillar.”

Hyloeus: Likely derived from the Greek word hylē meaning “forest” or “woodland.” In Greek mythology, Hyloeus was centaur.

Pronunciation

DOLL-ba hy-lo-EE-us

Documented Occurrences

This map shows the confirmed sightings of the Pawpaw Sphinx in Indiana. All sightings were confirmed through photographic documentation by individuals who contributed to the Great American IN Nature Lepidoptera Project (GAIN LP).

GAIN LP Sightings

Date	County	Observer	Notes	Image1	Image2
2019-06-18	Pike	Ross, Jeremy	Caterpillar
2018-08-18	Hamilton	Smith, Amanda	Caterpillar
2018-08-18	Hamilton	Smith, Amanda	Caterpillar
2018-08-18	Allen	Harding, Kim	Adult
2017-08-26	Owen	Malad, Rick	Caterpillar
2016-08-15	Hamilton	Cox, Alesa	Adult

Observation Details	Images
Date: 2019-06-18 County: Pike Observer: Ross, Jeremy Notes: Caterpillar
Date: 2018-08-18 County: Hamilton Observer: Smith, Amanda Notes: Caterpillar
Date: 2018-08-18 County: Hamilton Observer: Smith, Amanda Notes: Caterpillar
Date: 2018-08-18 County: Allen Observer: Harding, Kim Notes: Adult
Date: 2017-08-26 County: Owen Observer: Malad, Rick Notes: Caterpillar
Date: 2016-08-15 County: Hamilton Observer: Cox, Alesa Notes: Adult

Dolba hyloeus Sightings by Month

Conservation Status

• Global status: G5 (secure)
• National status: N5 (secure)
• Indiana status: NR (not ranked)

Floral Associates

The Pawpaw Sphinx caterpillars host of a few varieties of small trees and vines including the Pawpaw (Asimina triloba) which, gives it its namesake. Adults nectar from flowers.

Known Larval Food Sources in Indiana
Family	Taxonomic Name	Common Name
Order: Aquifoliales
Aquifoliaceae	Ilex spp.	hollies
Order: Ericales
Ericaceae	Vaccinium spp.	blueberries
Order: Fagales
Myricaceae	Comptonia peregrina	sweet fern
Order: Magnoliales
Annonaceae	Asimina triloba	pawpaw