Proserpinus lucidus

Adults can be distinguished from other Proserpinus species by the combination of green forewings with pink-purple transverse bands outlined in yellow, and by their winter flight period (December–April). The larval "bullseye" spot in place of a horn separates it from most other sphinx moth caterpillars; this trait is shared with some related Proserpinus species but the specific host plant associations and geographic range help confirm identification.

Associated with coastal and inland habitats where host plants in the genera Clarkia and Camissonia occur. Larval habitat includes areas with evening primrose relatives; adults are attracted to lights in various settings.

Pacific coast of the United States: Washington, Idaho, Oregon, and California; extends into Mexico. The distribution corresponds to the range of its larval host plants.

Adults fly in a single generation during winter months, from December to April. This represents an unusual phenology for a North American sphinx moth, with peak activity during the coldest part of the year.

Adults do not feed during their adult stage. Larvae feed on Clarkia breweri, Clarkia modesta, and probably Clarkia purpurea; also recorded from Camissonia bistorta and Camissonia strigulosa (all in family Onagraceae).

• Clarkia breweri - larval food plantconfirmed host
• Clarkia modesta - larval food plantconfirmed host
• Clarkia purpurea - larval food plantprobable host
• Camissonia bistorta - larval food plantconfirmed host
• Camissonia strigulosa - larval food plantconfirmed host

Eggs hatch and larvae develop over approximately 4–5 weeks. Caterpillars reach 5 cm before pupating. Pupation occurs under leaf litter or by burrowing up to 16.5 cm into the root mass of host plants. Adults emerge the following winter after a pupal diapause lasting approximately 8–10 months. The life cycle spans roughly one year with a single generation.

Adults are attracted to lights. Females typically remain stationary and emit pheromones to attract males rather than engaging in active flight for mate location. Adults do not feed, relying entirely on energy reserves accumulated as larvae.

Larval herbivore on native evening primrose relatives; contributes to nutrient cycling through herbivory and subsequent decomposition. Adult moths serve as potential prey for nocturnal predators during winter months when few other large moths are active.

Occasionally attracted to artificial lights, bringing it to human attention. Of interest to lepidopterists due to its unusual winter flight period and distinctive appearance. No significant economic or agricultural impact recorded.

• Proserpinus gauraeSimilar size and general body plan, but P. gaurae occurs in different geographic range (Great Plains and eastern regions) and has different adult flight period and host plant associations
• Other Proserpinus speciesShare green coloration and small size, but differ in wing pattern details, geographic distribution, and seasonal timing of adult activity
• Hemaris spp. (hummingbird moths)Similar small size and day-flying behavior in some species, but Hemaris have clear wings and different body shape; adults are active in summer rather than winter

• sphingidae
• sphinx moth
• hawk moth
• winter flight
• nocturnal
• herbivore
• clarkia
• camissonia
• onagraceae
• pacific coast
• california
• oregon
• washington
• idaho

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