Butterflies and Moths of North America

collecting and sharing data about Lepidoptera

  Sighting 1126541

Modest sphinx
Pachysphinx modesta

Observation date: July 15, 2017
Date notes: It flew into my house and hid behind a lamp. It is about 4-5" wingspread.
Submitted by: Sherry Steeves
Specimen type: Photograph
Observation notes: It has a fat body, about as thick as my finger. It flapped and almost sounded like a hummingbird. There were no "eyes" or dots on the underwings. Pinkish-purplish colors (very pale, brownish-greyish). The last few nights they flock to my house around 10pm (when it starts getting dark rather than twilight). Weather was slightly windy, occasional sprinkles of rain.
Status: Resident
Verified by: Tom Clark
Verified date: September 05, 2020
Coordinator notes: None.
Checklist region(s): United States, Vermont, Bennington County