Proserpinus flavofasciata
Walker, 1856
yellow-banded day sphinx
Proserpinus flavofasciata, commonly known as the -banded day sphinx, is a day-flying to North America. The is a bumblebee mimic with distinctive black and yellow coloration. The inhabits and mountain forest edges and clearings, with a distribution spanning Canada from Alaska to the Maritimes and southward to Maine and Massachusetts. feed on Epilobium and Rubus species, and the species overwinters as a in soil.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Proserpinus flavofasciata: /prɒˈsɛrpɪnəs ˌfleɪvoʊfæʃiˈeɪtə/
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Identification
Distinguished from other Proserpinus by the prominent on black combined with the pale band on black . Day-flying and bumblebee-mimic appearance separate it from most other sphingid , which are primarily . The combination of black body with yellow markings and specific pattern is diagnostic.
Images
Habitat
Edges and clearings of forests and mountain forests. Occurs in forest openings where larval plants grow.
Distribution
Canada: widespread including Alberta, Manitoba, Saskatchewan; Alaska in the west; Maritime provinces in the east. United States: south to Maine and Massachusetts in the east. More common in western portions of its range.
Seasonality
in late spring and early summer. develop through summer. Overwinters as in soil.
Diet
feeds on various Epilobium and Rubus , including Rubus parviflorus. feeding habits not described in sources.
Host Associations
- Epilobium - larval various
- Rubus parviflorus - larval
- Rubus - larval various
Life Cycle
and early not described. develops through several instars with dramatically different appearances between and final instars. Pupates in soil and overwinters in this stage. not specified in sources.
Behavior
are day-flying, unusual among . Adults have been observed to with urgency but specific patterns or other behaviors not detailed. activity not reported.
Ecological Role
acts as on Epilobium and Rubus. may function as during day ; specific interactions not documented. Serves as for various ; bumblebee likely provides protective advantage.
Human Relevance
Collected by ; one specimen reportedly used in trade between in the 1980s. No economic significance documented. Not known to be a pest.
Similar Taxa
- Proserpinus gauraeCongeneric day-flying sphingid with similar bumblebee-mimic appearance; distinguished by pattern details and geographic distribution
- Bombus species target; resemble bumblebees in and general appearance but distinguished by structure and upon close
More Details
Mimicry
The 's bumblebee-like appearance represents , gaining protection from that avoid stinging .
Western abundance
The is notably more common in the western portion of its range compared to eastern .