Deidamia inscriptum — Lettered Sphinx

(Harris, 1839)

Hodges# 7871

Etymology

Deidamia: In Greek mythology, Deidamia was the lover of Achilles, mother of Neoptolemus, and daughter of King Lycomedes.

Inscriptum: Inscriptum is a Latin word meaning “written on” or “inscribed.”

Pronunciation

dee-uh-DAY-mee-uh In-SCRIPT-um

Documented Occurrences

This map shows the confirmed sightings of the Lettered 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
2018-05-14	Owen	Malad, Rick	Adult
2017-06-23	Marion	Olson, Ethan	Caterpillar
2016-06-01	Elkhart	Mitchell, Carole	Adult
2016-04-15	Hamilton	Smith, Amanda	Adult

Observation Details	Images
Date: 2018-05-14 County: Owen Observer: Malad, Rick Notes: Adult
Date: 2017-06-23 County: Marion Observer: Olson, Ethan Notes: Caterpillar
Date: 2016-06-01 County: Elkhart Observer: Mitchell, Carole Notes: Adult
Date: 2016-04-15 County: Hamilton Observer: Smith, Amanda Notes: Adult

Deidamia inscriptum Sightings by Month

Notes

The Lettered Sphnix is typically the first sphinx species of the season in Indiana; often being in April through June.

Conservation Status

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

Floral Associates

Lettered Sphinx caterpillars are fairly specialized feeders, only eating from four known genera of plants. Adult moths feed upon nectar.

Known Larval Food Sources in Indiana
Family	Taxonomic Name	Common Name
Order: Ericales
Ebenaceae	Oxydendrum arboreum	sourwood
Order: Vitales
Vitaceae	Ampelopsis spp.	peppervine, aka porcelainberry
	Parthenocissus spp.	Virginia creeper and woodbine
	Vitis spp.	grapes