Common Name(s): Northern Apple Sphinx

Ecology:

Adult description:
This is a medium sized (32-42mm forewing) moth (1). This species is often confused with Sphinx gordius. The general appearance of these two species is gray with black markings. There may or may not be a white discal spot. The separating feature for these two species is that Sphinx gordius has a darker than ground color submarginal area. In Sphinx poecila this area is generally the same color as the ground color of the wings. Another general note is that Sphinx gordius is generally a black and white moth whereas Sphinx poecila tends to be more grayscale. Please note, there is information about determination of these species via the wing fringes on the hindwing, this does not hold true and shouldn’t be used.

Larval description:
L5: This species can be green, blue-green or brown/black in color. There are 7 white lines on the abdominal segments. Superficially this larva can look like Sphinx gordius. The spiracles of this species are often more red. Tuttle notes that the major difference is that Sphinx poecila has dark lines, often black or brown, bordering the white abdominal lines. The head capsule is light green with two black lines.

Host plants:

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(C) Teá Montagna

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