Sphinx libocedrus

Edwards, 1881

Incense Cedar Sphinx

Sphinx libocedrus, the incense cedar sphinx, is a hawkmoth in the Sphingidae first described by Henry Edwards in 1881. The occurs from western Texas through New Mexico and Arizona to southern California, extending south into Mexico including Sonora and Baja California Sur. Larvae feed on specific plants in the olive family (Oleaceae), including New Mexican forestiera, Forestiera angustifolia, and Goodding's ash.

Sphinx libocedrus, male, underside. United States, Arizona, Yavapai, Prescott by The Trustees of the Natural History Museum, London. Used under a CC BY 3.0 license.

Sphinx libocedrus achotla, male, underside. Zacatecas, route de Ixtlahuaca del Rio a Jalpa, piste apres La Pitaya by The Trustees of the Natural History Museum, London. Used under a CC BY 3.0 license.

Sphinx libocedrus, female, upperside. United States, Arizona, Cochise, Huachuca Mountains by The Trustees of the Natural History Museum, London. Used under a CC BY 3.0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Sphinx libocedrus: /ˈsfɪŋks laɪboʊˈsɛdrəs/

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

Identification

The can be distinguished from similar Sphinx moths by its geographic range and larval plant associations. Two are recognized: S. l. libocedrus (western Texas to southern California and Mexico) and S. l. achotla (Mexico).

Images

Distribution

Western Texas to southern California and Mexico, including Sonora and Baja California Sur. The S. l. achotla occurs in Mexico.

Diet

Larvae feed on New Mexican forestiera (Forestiera neomexicana), Forestiera angustifolia, and Goodding's ash (Fraxinus gooddingii), all in the olive (Oleaceae). feeding habits are not documented.

Host Associations

Forestiera neomexicana - larval food plantNew Mexican forestiera, in Oleaceae
Forestiera angustifolia - larval food plantIn Oleaceae
Fraxinus gooddingii - larval food plantGoodding's ash, in Oleaceae

Similar Taxa

Sphinx chersisBoth are Sphinx moths; S. chersis is the great ash sphinx, also associated with ash trees but with broader distribution
Sphinx kalmiaeBoth are Sphinx moths with similar ; S. kalmiae has different plant associations and geographic range

More Details

Subspecies

Two are recognized: Sphinx libocedrus libocedrus (western Texas west through New Mexico and Arizona to southern California, south to Sonora and Baja California Sur) and Sphinx libocedrus achotla Mooser, 1944 (Mexico).