Butterflies and Moths of North America

collecting and sharing data about Lepidoptera

National Moth Week is July 18-26!

Moths are amazing creatures. Take photographs and share your moth sightings with us to document the moths where you live.

  Sighting 718811

Modest sphinx
Pachysphinx modesta

Observation date: June 20, 2012
Submitted by: MaineGal
Specimen type: Photograph
Observation notes: These two moths, I assume from the same species, were found this morning by my front door. While it has been relatively cool the last week or so, the temperature in the area has warmed up considerably in the last 36 hours. I left the porch light on last night by mistake and these two were by the door in the morning, along with a pair of male and female luna moths and what I think is a Cecropia moth, hiding under the banister. I have never seen these two around before and thought they were of the same species, despite one being slightly darker than the other. They have both been completely still all morning and while one is on the hand rail of the steps, the other is hiding under the sill of the door.
Status: Resident
Verified by: anthony.thomas
Verified date: June 20, 2012
Coordinator notes: None.
Checklist region(s): United States, Maine, Waldo County