Common names: Modest Sphinx;
Big Poplar Sphinx Ecology: Adult Description: This is a large, heavy bodied moth; forewings 43-60mm in length with females being larger than males (1). The ground color is gray. The very similar Pachysphinx occidentalis found in the Western USA is generally yellow-brown in color. The forewings of this species are scalloped. The hindwings of this species are crimson red with a rudimentary white, black, and blue eyespot near the anal angle. The blue portion of this spot is very distinct and connected in this species. In Pachysphinx occidentalis this blue portion is bisected by a faint black line. The way this moth sits is unique to the subfamily, and will help you narrow down your identification. If the hindwings are pulled up and are visible from above the forewings, it’s likely a Smerinthinae. Larval Description: L5: Larva is blue-green in color with red spiracles. There are 6 white stripes on the abdominal segments, the last leading to the reduced horn. In Pachysphinx occidentalis the horn is much larger. Hostplants: Click here to load this Caspio Cloud Database
Cloud Database by Caspio |
The gallery to the left contains photos of Pachysphinx modesta 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 Pachysphinx modesta larval and pupal stages. If you have a photo that you would like to submit to us, please contact us.
The gallery to the right contains photos of Pachysphinx modesta larval and pupal stages. If you have a photo that you would like to submit to us, please contact us.
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