Paonias excaecata — Blinded Sphinx

(J. E. Smith, 1797)

Hodges# 7824

Etymology

Paonias: Unknown

Excaecata: Most likely a derivative of the Latin word excaeco, meaning “to blind” because this species lacks a center pupil in the eye-spot on the hindwings.

Pronunciation

PAY-own-ee-us EX-cee-cah-tuh

Documented Occurrences

This map shows the confirmed sightings of the Blinded Sphinx moth 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
2022-08-03	Monroe	Engbrecht, Nate
2022-05-28	Newton	Jaskula, Jeanette	Adult
2021-08-07	Scott	Lowry, Brian	Adult
2021-08-01	Dubois	Grierson, Stephanie	Adult
2021-06-21	Scott	Lowry, Brian	Adult
2021-06-15	Pulaski	Joll, Chris	Adult
2021-06-15	Pulaski	Joll, Chris	Adult
2021-06-15	Pulaski	Joll, Chris	Adult
2021-06-15	Pulaski	Joll, Chris	Adult
2021-06-13	Washington	Hendrix, Suzanna	Adult

Observation Details	Images
Date: 2022-08-03 County: Monroe Observer: Engbrecht, Nate Notes:
Date: 2022-05-28 County: Newton Observer: Jaskula, Jeanette Notes: Adult
Date: 2021-08-07 County: Scott Observer: Lowry, Brian Notes: Adult
Date: 2021-08-01 County: Dubois Observer: Grierson, Stephanie Notes: Adult
Date: 2021-06-21 County: Scott Observer: Lowry, Brian Notes: Adult
Date: 2021-06-15 County: Pulaski Observer: Joll, Chris Notes: Adult
Date: 2021-06-15 County: Pulaski Observer: Joll, Chris Notes: Adult
Date: 2021-06-15 County: Pulaski Observer: Joll, Chris Notes: Adult
Date: 2021-06-15 County: Pulaski Observer: Joll, Chris Notes: Adult
Date: 2021-06-13 County: Washington Observer: Hendrix, Suzanna Notes: Adult

Paonias excaecata Sightings by Month

Conservation Status

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

Floral Associates

Blinded Sphinx caterpillars host on a wide variety of trees. Adults do not feed.

Known Larval Food Sources in Indiana
Family	Taxonomic Name	Common Name
Order: Dipsicales
Adoxaceae	Viburnum spp.	viburnums
Order: Fabales
Fabaceae	Wisteria spp.	wisterias
Order: Fagales
Betulaceae	Betula spp.	birches
	Carpinus caroliniana	musclewood, aka blue beech
	Corylus americana	American hazelnut
	Ostrya virginiana	hop-hornbeam, aka ironwood
Fagaceae	Castanea dentata	American chestnut
	Fagus grandifolia	American beech
	Quercus spp.	oaks
Order: Lamiales
Oleaceae	Fraxinus spp.	ashes
Order: Malvales
Tiliaceae	Tilia americana	American basswood
Order: Rosales
Rosaceae	Amelanchier spp.	serviceberries
	Chaenomeles speciosa	Chinese quince
	Crataegus spp.	hawthorns
	Malus spp.	apples and crabapples
	Physocarpus opulifolius	ninebark
	Prunus spp.	cherries
	Pyrus spp.	pears
	Rosa spp.	roses
	Rubus spp.	blackberries, dewberries, and raspberries
	Spirea spp.	meadowsweets
Ulmaceae	Ulmus spp.	elms
Order: Salicales
Salicaceae	Populus spp.	poplars
	Salix spp.	willows
Order: Sapindales
Aceraceae	Acer spp.	maples