Butterflies and Moths of North America

collecting and sharing data about Lepidoptera

  Sighting 1124587

Big poplar sphinx
Pachysphinx occidentalis

Observation date: June 18, 2017
Submitted by: RenRacc
Specimen type: Photograph
Observation notes: It was very hot and I was swimming when I noticed this hanging on to the side of the pool, but not in the water. I let it climb onto my arm and snapped a photo. I didn't know where to set it so I left it under a large grape vine overhang on the wood frame that had the most shade and cover from anything that might try to eat it. We have grapes, nectarines, and a large hedge that surrounds the yard.
Status: Resident
Verified by: Josiah Gilbert
Verified date: August 05, 2017
Coordinator notes: Looks like a freshly emerged female.