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Common Name(s): Clark's Day Sphinx
Ecology and Life History Overview: This small day flying Sphingidae is typically on the wing from March to June depending on where in the range you are. The northern portions as well as elevated portions of its range see this species toward the latter part of that range. Peak flight is April to May throughout most of the range. This is a diurnal species that is not attracted to light. You can often see it nectaring at flowers during the day. Eggs are laid on the host usually on the tips and underside of the leaves. Caterpillars develop on the plants, typically resting along the underside of the leaf during the day as younger instars, before hiding off the plant in later stages of growth. This striking larva does not seem to have other color forms - they appear green at first, but it hardens to brown. Habitat and Searching for Larvae: {COMING SOON} Rearing Notes: Eggs are easily obtained by placing a female in a jar or other clear container with oviposition material (plant matter or ripped paper) in a sunny window. They do enjoy feeding, but it is not necessary for oviposition. Larvae were fed Chamaenerion angustifolium (Fireweed) in captivity and readily accepted this in all instars. Larvae were reared in tupperware containers through the third instar, before switching to a screen cage with live host material. Too much humidity can be fatal to the larvae in later instars, but screen cages work exceptionally well with little mortality. Pupation is accomplished with the paper towel method, or allowing larvae to burrow into substrate. Adult description: This is a small Sphingidae species with a wingspan of 30-38mm. The forewings are green with a black discal spot and lighter green and white coloration. The hindwings are a bright orange color. Larval description: L1: At this stage, the larva is a hornless light green color. The head is a pale orange. L3: In the third instar, the larva is darker green on the dorsal surface with two white subdorsal stripes. The remainder of the sides and ventral surface are a lighter green. The thoracic and prolegs are pink. L5: The larva looks quite different now, the head has turned a pinkish color to match the legs, and the remaining larva is quite dark in color. The dorsal surface is brown to black with a thick beige subdorsal line on each side. The subdorsal line is followed by a wavy black line, and then another beige colored line above the legs. |
(C) Teá Montagna
Hostplants:
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The gallery to the left contains photos of Proserpinus juanita adults. The data for each photo can be found by clicking on it. If you have a photo that you would like to submit to us, please contact us.
The gallery to the right contains photos of Proserpinus juanita larval and pupal stages. The data for each photo can be found by clicking on it. If you have a photo that you would like to submit to us, please contact us.
The gallery to the right contains photos of Proserpinus juanita larval and pupal stages. The data for each photo can be found by clicking on it. If you have a photo that you would like to submit to us, please contact us.
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