Butterflies and Moths of North America

collecting and sharing data about Lepidoptera

  Sighting 961121

White-lined Sphinx
Hyles lineata

Observation date: April 08, 2014
Submitted by: KittKatt
Specimen type: Photograph
Observation notes: A pair of large (almost 2 inches), unusual moths were near our porch light near midnight on the first hot day of the year (about 90 degrees). This one (Moth 1) was on our screen door and the other one (Moth 2) was on the wall near the doorbell. To me the two moths appeared to be identical. Both had dramatic contrasting colors and thick furry bodies. I am submitting photos of each one separately About half an hour later Moth 1 was gone while the other remained. Then 20 minutes later what appeared to be Moth 1 was on the wall closer to Moth 2. Moth 1 was vibrating its wings and body super fast, almost like a humming bird! I took the second photo while it was vibrating. This went on for several minutes. Then it flew very close to the light and landed behind the light fixture. I’m wondering if they are mates? Did the heat make both of them hatch from cocoons recently?
Status: Resident
Verified by: Robert Martin
Verified date: April 09, 2014
Coordinator notes: None.