Hodges#7828
Pachysphinx modesta
Classification
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Subphylum: Hexapoda
- Class: Insecta
- Order: Lepidoptera
- Superfamily: Bombycoidea
- Family: Sphingidae
- Subfamily: Smerinthinae
- Tribe: Smerinthini
- Genus: Pachysphinx
- Species: modesta
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Pachysphinx modesta: /ˈpækɪsˌsfɪŋks moʊˈdɛstə/
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Images
Summary
Pachysphinx modesta, commonly known as the Modest Sphinx, is a moth of the family Sphingidae described by Thaddeus William Harris in 1839. It is recognized for its dark and modest appearance when viewed in certain positions. This species is found across much of North America, primarily during the warmer months when larvae actively feed on host plants such as poplar and willow.
Physical Characteristics
Adult forewings are gray, with a lighter basal third and darker median band; hindwings are gray with a crimson patch and a bluish-black triangle near the outer margin. Larvae are pale green with white granulose spots arranged in rings, triangular pinkish head, and yellow oblique stripes.
Identification Tips
When seen facing up on a wall, the bottom half of the moth appears dark, resembling a modestly covered form. The specific wing patterns and coloration can also help in identifying this species.
Habitat
Adults are found along rivers and in moist mountainsides; they generally inhabit areas where host plants grow.
Distribution
The Modest Sphinx is found from British Columbia to Nova Scotia, south to northern Florida, and west to Texas, Oregon, and New Mexico. Absent from California, Arizona, Nevada, and the arctic regions.
Diet
Larvae feed on leaves of poplar (Populus spp.), aspen, cottonwood, and willow (Salix spp.).
Life Cycle
Eggs hatch in about 9 days. Larvae are present from July to November. The species overwinters as a pupa in shallow ground burrows.
Reproduction
Females lay eggs on the leaves of host plants. There is one generation per year in northern regions and up to two generations per year in southern regions.
Cultural Significance
The name 'Big Poplar Sphinx' has been a point of confusion; it is recommended that 'Modest Sphinx' be used for Pachysphinx modesta to avoid ambiguity with Pachysphinx occidentalis.
Similar Taxa
Misconceptions
There have been historical confusions regarding common names, particularly the use of 'Big Poplar Sphinx' for both this species and P. occidentalis.
Tags
- moth
- Sphingidae
- Pachysphinx modesta
- insect
- larvae
- North America