Large moth, 2 to 3 inches across. Wings and body patterned with browns, tans and silvers. Wings rather irregular in shape. Body thick. Caterpillar is bright green with yellow bumps all over, yellow stripes and a prominent horn in back. Caterpillar eats a variety of tree leaves, including those of cherries, hawthorns, and poplars.

Known throughout North America, from northern Mexico to southern Canada..

Two other species in this genus are known from the eastern US and have similar wing shapes and color schemes. Small-eyed Sphinx is easily recognized by the two bumps on the back edge of the forewing (as in the photograph at left). The other two species have either a straight edge or regular scallops.