Butterflies and Moths of North America

collecting and sharing data about Lepidoptera

  Sighting 525871

Duponchel's sphinx
Cocytius duponchel

Observation date: April 09, 2011
Submitted by: Markinwla
Specimen type: Photograph
Observation notes: This was very large - 3.5 tp 4 inches long.
Status: Unknown
Verified by: Tom Middagh
Verified date: May 23, 2011
Coordinator notes: I have been puzzling over this for quite some time. The markings on the forewings are similar to Manduca occulta, but there should be visible yellow on the body. The forelegs are indicative of Manduca rustica, one of which was once seen in San Diego County, but the wings are very very dark for that. Without seeing the hindwings and body, I am at a stopping point. Sorry, Kelly The forewing matches C. duponchel quite well and the legs with the white segments and tuft are a match. would have been nice to see the hindwing. I don't see any other sphinx that would match up so pretty sure it's a C. duponchel
Checklist region(s): Orange County, California, United States