Five-spotted Hawk Moth
MODERATEManduca quinquemaculatus
Overview
Big asf, stripes on body, was hovering, NOT A BUTTERFLY the way it was hovering, not a typical hummingbird like I’d ever seen. Perhaps hawkoth? Who else hovers and is BIG like a hummingbird but not
- Type
- Insect
- Severity
- MODERATE
- Source
- iNaturalist
Symptoms
Geographic Spread
Treatments
Targeted Insecticide Application
Apply appropriate insecticide following label directions. Timing is critical — treat during the vulnerable larval or adult emergence stage for maximum effectiveness.
Biological Control Agents
Introduce or encourage natural predators and parasitoids. Options include releasing predatory beetles, parasitic wasps, or applying Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) for caterpillar pests.
Infested Material Removal
Prune and destroy infested branches and plant material. Remove fallen debris that may harbor eggs or larvae. Dispose of material away from healthy trees.
Recommended Products & Tools
Helpful supplies for managing Five-spotted Hawk Moth. Always read and follow label directions, and confirm a diagnosis before treating.
Knocks down soft-bodied pests like aphids, mites, and scale crawlers.
Smothers overwintering eggs and crawlers; dormant or summer rates.
Soil-applied protection taken up by the tree for season-long control.
Sharp, clean cuts to remove affected wood — a tree-care essential.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is Five-spotted Hawk Moth?
Big asf, stripes on body, was hovering, NOT A BUTTERFLY the way it was hovering, not a typical hummingbird like I’d ever seen. Perhaps hawkoth? Who else hovers and is BIG like a hummingbird but not
What are the symptoms of Five-spotted Hawk Moth?
Where is Five-spotted Hawk Moth currently found?
Five-spotted Hawk Moth is currently active in Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, South Dakota, Texas, Utah. It has been reported in 6 total states across the United States.
How do I treat Five-spotted Hawk Moth?
Treatment options for Five-spotted Hawk Moth include: Targeted Insecticide Application, Biological Control Agents, Infested Material Removal. Treatment approaches may include chemical, biological, cultural, and mechanical methods depending on the severity and context.