Pachysphinx

Pachysphinx

Classification

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Pachysphinx: //ˌpæ.kɪˈsfɪŋks//

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Images

Pachysphinx occidentalis ova by Whitney Cranshaw, Colorado State University, Bugwood.org. Used under a CC BY 3.0 us license.
Pachysphinx occidentalis with scale by Lake Mead NRA Public Affairs. Used under a Public domain license.
Pachysphinx occidentalis by Whitney Cranshaw, Colorado State University, Bugwood.org. Used under a CC BY 3.0 us license.
Pachysphinx occidentalis BMNHE813703 male up by The Trustees of the Natural History Museum, London. Used under a CC BY 3.0 license.
Pachysphinx occidentalis BMNHE813703 male un by The Trustees of the Natural History Museum, London. Used under a CC BY 3.0 license.
Pachysphinx occidentalis BMNHE813704 female up by The Trustees of the Natural History Museum, London. Used under a CC BY 3.0 license.

Summary

Pachysphinx is a genus in the family Sphingidae, with three species, of which Pachysphinx occidentalis, or the big poplar sphinx, is prominent in North America.

Physical Characteristics

Wingspan of 130–150 mm; two color forms: pale form with yellow-brown forewings, dark gray in the dark form; upperside of the hindwing has a crimson patch and two dark lines without forming a distinct triangle.

Identification Tips

Look for the well-defined lines and bands on the forewings, as well as the distinct crimson patch on the hindwing.

Habitat

Riparian areas and suburbs.

Distribution

Throughout Canada and the United States; specific subspecies found in Alberta, North Dakota, eastern Washington, Texas, Arizona, southern California, and Baja California Norte.

Diet

Larvae feed on cottonwood Populus and Salix species.

Life Cycle

Two generations per year in southern Arizona; one generation per year farther north.

Tags

  • Pachysphinx
  • Sphingidae
  • moth
  • big poplar sphinx
  • Pachysphinx occidentalis