Butterflies and Moths of North America

collecting and sharing data about Lepidoptera

Proud sphinx
Proserpinus gaurae (J.E. Smith, 1797)


Family: Sphingidae
Subfamily: Macroglossinae
Identification: Abdomen may have a pale band running across the rear. Wings are brown. Forewing sometimes has a greenish tint and may have the median area darker; lines bordering the median area are curved. Hindwing has a reddish brown border.
Wing Span: 1 3/4 - 1 7/8 inches (4.5 - 4.8 cm).
Life History: Caterpillars pupate in shallow underground cells.
Flight: . Probably one or two flights, from April-August.
Caterpillar Hosts: Evening primrose (Oenothera), Gaura, and willow weed (Epilobium); all in the evening primrose family (Onagraceae).
Adult Food: Flower nectar.
Habitat: Not reported.
Range: Texas east to northern Florida, north to Alabama, Missouri, northern Georgia, and South Carolina.
Conservation: Population status and ecological requirements should be monitored.
NCGR: G2 - Imperiled globally because of rarity (6 to 20 occurrences), or because of other factors demonstrably making it very vulnerable to extinction throughout its range. (Endangered throughout its range).
Management Needs: None reported.
Comments: NULL