Common Name: Pine Hawk-Moth

Ecology and Life History:
This moth is active throughout the summer months in most of Europe. In the USA, it was once recorded in Pennsylvania but hasn’t been seen in a number of years leading to the conclusion that this moth is extirpated in the USA. Both males and females of this species are attracted to artificial light. Bait and other methods are not sufficient for surveying for this species. This species is not sexually dimorphic, but females are larger than males. Eggs are laid on the needles of hostplants. Larvae feed in the clumps of needles.

Habitat and Searching for Larvae:
Larvae of this species are specialists on Evergreen trees, specifically Pines and Spruces. Larvae can be found virtually anywhere on the plant. This is a species of many habitats including mountains, edges, forests, and suburban yards. Larvae can be found from July through October throughout most of its range. This species almost certainly fluoresces under UV light, though it has not yet been shown.

Rearing Notes: {COMING SOON}


Adult Description: This is a gray moth with a wingspan of 70-89mm in length. There are two black dashes on the forewing and a checkered white and brown fringe. This species can superficially resemble Lapara species, but since it is almost certainly extirpated in the USA, no separating features are needed. The hindwings of this species are flat brown with a white fringe. The abdomen is brown with a black line in the middle and four pairs of white spots.

Larval Description: 
L5: A decidedly Sphinx looking caterpillar that has a basal color of green. The dorsal region is light brown. There are pairs of white streaks that run the length of the larva from head to caudal horn, one above the spiracles, and one below. The spiracles of this species are bright red and outlined in black. The caudal horn is black and granulose.
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Host plants:

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The gallery to the left contains photos of Sphinx pinastri adults. If you have a photo that you would like to submit to us, please contact us.

The gallery to the right contains photos of Sphinx pinastri larval and pupal stages. If you have a photo that you would like to submit to us, please contact us.