Fauna
Insect

Catalpa Sphinx

Ceratomia catalpae

Also known as Catawba Worm, Catalpa Worm

Catalpa sphinx moths are medium-sized hawk moths best known for their voracious caterpillars, widely cherished by anglers as prime fishing bait. Adult moths emerge at dusk with mottled brownish-gray camouflage, mating and laying clusters of hundreds of eggs on host tree foliage before dying within two weeks without feeding. The larvae feed gregariously in their early instars, capable of entirely defoliating mature catalpa trees before pupating underground in loose soil.

NocturnalMothHerbivore
Catalpa Sphinx reference
(c) Michael Ellis, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Michael Ellis · cc-by
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Not EvaluatedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNot Evaluated — not placed on the risk ladderRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preyNorthern Catalpa Leaves, Southern Catalpa Leaves
Predators
  • Braconid Wasp
  • Northern Cardinal
  • Spined Soldier Bug
ThreatsPesticide spraying, heavy parasitoid wasp predation, and cold winters
HabitatsDeciduous forests, riverbanks, parks, and suburban gardens hosting catalpa trees
Life span1–2 months as egg, larva, and pupa; 1–2 weeks as winged adult
Classification
  1. OrderLepidoptera
  2. FamilySphingidae
  3. GenusCeratomia
  4. SpeciesCeratomia catalpae
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskLow
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is low
Safe to observe at a normal distance.
Responsible observation
  • Tree Trunks: Search catalpa bark and nearby porch lights at dusk to spot resting adult moths.
  • Underside Inspection: Look under large catalpa leaves in midsummer for dense clusters of brightly striped caterpillars.
  • Gentle Handling: Caterpillars cannot sting despite their caudal horn, making them safe to hold gently.
Related species
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