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Modest sphinx
Pachysphinx modesta (Harris, 1839)
Attributes of Pachysphinx modestaFamily: Sphinx Moths, Hawkmoths (Sphingidae) Subfamily: Sphinginae (Sphinginae) Identification: Upperside of forewing is gray with the basal third lighter; sometimes the outer third also is light, leaving just the median band dark. Upperside of hindwing is gray with a crimson patch and an inward-pointing blue-black triangle near the outer margin. Life history: Females lay eggs on leaves of the hosts, and the eggs hatch in about 9 days. Fully-grown caterpillars pupate and overwinter in shallow burrows in the ground. Flight: . One brood in the north from June-July, two broods in the south from May-September. Wing span: 3 - 4 11/16 inches (7.6 - 12 cm). Caterpillar hosts: Poplar, aspen, and cottonwood (Populus) and willow (Salix). Adult food: Adults do not feed. Habitat: Riparian areas and moist mountainsides. Range: Maine south to north Florida; west to Washington, Oregon, Utah, New Mexico, and Texas. Also Baja California Norte. Conservation: Not usually required. NatureServe Global Status: G5 - Demonstrably secure globally, though it may be quite rare in parts of its range, especially at the periphery. Management needs: None reported. | Documented Records for Pachysphinx modesta
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