Catalpa Sphinx

Behavior

From oviposition of the eggs to pupation, about four weeks will pass. Where multiple broods occur, pupae will eclose in two weeks, or when conditions are suitable. Adult ''C. catalpae'' don't reflect the wonderful colors of its larvae. They are a dull brown color lacking that show-off appearance of its larval stages.

Reproduction

The larval stage of ''C. catalpae'' is known as the Catalpa or Catawba Worm. When first hatching, the larvae are a very pale color, but become darker toward the last instars. The yellow caterpillars will usually have a dark, black stripe down their back along with black dots along their sides. There is also a "pale" phase where the black striping is not as prevalent or missing altogether and a shade of white has replaced it. They grow to a length of about 5 cm and feed on the leaves of the Northern Catalpa and, more commonly, the Southern Catalpa, also known as Catawba or Indian Bean trees. They are highly desired by fishermen as bait. Southern dialective fishermen's nomenclature is commonly "Batalkie Worms." The customary use is to bite off or otherwise remove the head, then turn the worm inside out on the hook.

Food

''C. catalpae'' can be quite harmful to the Catalpa tree during large outbreaks. The first trial of aerial crop dusting was an attempt to control the Catalpa Sphinx.
⤷ ''Catalpa bignonioides'',
⤷ ''Catalpa speciosa'',