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Sequoia sphinx
Sphinx sequoiae Boisduval, 1868
Attributes of Sphinx sequoiaeFamily: Sphinx Moths, Hawkmoths (Sphingidae) Subfamily: Sphinginae (Sphinginae) Identification: The dark form, occurring from Oregon to central California, has blue-gray forewings with black dashes along the middle. The pale form, in the juniper belt of the rest of the range, is very pale gray with only a faint blue tint. Life history: Fully-grown caterpillars pupate and overwinter in underground burrows. Flight: . One brood from May-August. Wing span: 1 7/8 - 2 11/16 inches (4.8 - 6.8 cm). Caterpillar hosts: California juniper (Juniperus californica) and Rocky Mountain juniper (J. osteosperma). Adult food: Nectar from flowers of western chokecherry (Prunus virginiana var. demissa) and California buckeye (Aesculus californica). Habitat: Desert and pinyon-juniper woodland. Range: Oregon south through California, Nevada, and southeastern Utah to Arizona; south into northern Baja California. Conservation: Not usually required. NatureServe Global Status: G4 - Apparently secure globally, though it might be quite rare in parts of its range, especially at the periphery. Management needs: None reported. | Documented Records for Sphinx sequoiae
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