Euproserpinus phaeton

Distinguished from other Euproserpinus species by the combination of creamy white abdominal side-tufts, discontinuous dorsal white band, and the straight (not curved) marginal black band on the hindwing upperside. The absence of transverse lines in the median forewing area and lack of black scaling at the base of the hindwing underside further separate it from congeners. Diurnal flight behavior and early spring activity period are additional field marks.

Arid desert environments, specifically dry washes and flat desert areas. Flight occurs close to ground surface in open, sparsely vegetated terrain.

North America: California south through Baja California Sur and mainland Mexico; disjunct population in south-western Arizona.

Adults active February to April. Single generation per year.

Larvae feed on various species of Onagraceae (evening primrose family). Adults nectar at flowers during daytime.

Univoltine (one generation annually). Larval development on Onagraceae hosts; adult emergence and activity restricted to early spring months.

Adults fly swiftly and maintain low altitude close to the ground. Diurnal nectar-feeding at flowers.

Adults function as diurnal pollinators of desert flowers. Larvae serve as herbivores on Onagraceae vegetation.

• Other Euproserpinus speciesDistinguished by specific wing pattern elements: straight vs. curved hindwing marginal band, presence/absence of abdominal tuft coloration, and forewing line patterns.

• sphinx moth
• diurnal moth
• desert specialist
• univoltine
• spring emergence
• Onagraceae feeder

• BugGuide
• Wikipedia
• GBIF taxonomy match
• iNaturalist taxon
• NCBI Taxonomy
• Catalogue of Life