Species of the genus are native to North America with the exception of P. proserpinus, which has a much larger range extending from Asia to Africa.

In general, these moths are green with orange or red hindwings.

Like many other hawk moths, they hover in front of flowers like hummingbirds to feed on nectar.

The larvae specialize on plants of the evening primrose family, Onagraceae.

Exceptions are P. flavofaciata, which has a black and yellow coloration, and P. terlooii, which feeds on spiderlings, plants of the four o'clock family, Nyctaginaceae.