Big Poplar Sphinx Moth(Pachysphinx occidentalis)
The big poplar sphinx moth is a member of the family of hawk moths. They are found throughout North America and can be found in two color morphs – a pale one and a dark one. These moths have two subspecies namely Pachysphinx occidentalis occidentalis and Pachysphinx occidentalis regalis.
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Scientific Classification
- Family: Sphingidae
- Genus: Pachysphinx
- Scientific Name: Pachysphinx occidentalis
Description and Identification
Caterpillar
The larvae are green with yellow stripes.
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Pupa
After the larva goes through all of its instars, they get ready to pupate underground in shallow burrows.
Adult Moth
Sexual Dimorphism: Present but not prominent.
Color and Appearance
Forewing: When the wings are opened, they are yellow-brown when the moth is pale and dark gray when it is dark in color. When the wings are closed, the well-defined lines and bands remain observable.
Hindwing: When the wings are opened, a crimson patch covering a significant part of the upper side is visible. When the wings are closed, the pink patch is no more visible, yet the lined patterns can be seen.
Average wingspan: 13-15 cm
Flight pattern: Erratic
Season: May to September
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Egg
The eggs are laid on the host plant’s leaves.
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Quick Facts
| Distribution | Canada and the US, including North Dakota west to eastern Washington; south to Texas, southern California, and Baja California Norte. |
| Habitat | Riparian areas and suburbs |
| Lifespan of Adults | Not recorded |
| Host Plants | Cottonwood, poplar, and Salix |
| Adult Diet | Flower nectar |
Did You Know
- English entomologist Henry Edwards first described this species in 1875.
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Scientific Classification
- Family: Sphingidae
- Genus: Pachysphinx
- Scientific Name: Pachysphinx occidentalis
