Blinded Sphinx
Paonias excaecata (J.E.Smith, 1797) P-no. 890144
Host plant: Found on black cherry (Prunus serotina)
Date found: 5 August, 2026
Location found: Ste. Genevieve County, MO
Notes: Note the red blotches that are surrounded by yellow, nicely mimicking later season leaves. This undoubtedly provides nice camouflage and may explain why certain color morphs are found on certain hosts.
A Thousand Acres of Silphiums 