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Hyles gallii
Hyles gallii have a wingspan reaching 5.5 to 8 centimeters. In appearance, this species is very similar to Hyles euphorbiae. However, in H. gallii the red of the hind wings is not so extensive and the olive-colored band on the forewings is not interrupted. These moths can be encountered at dusk feeding on flowers, but they are activey by night up to the day light. The flight period extends from May to October usually in one generation, but in good years there can be a second generation. The caterpillars can reach a length of 70 to 80 millimeters and are variably stained. A variant is olive green with yellow spots. Another version is black with yellow spots and red head. The colour of the caterpillars darkens before pupation. They feed on fireweed (Epilobium angustifolium, Epilobium montanum), on bedstraw (Galium verum and Galium mollugo) and various other plants (Chamaenerion angustifolium, Clarkia, Fuchsia, Circaea, Plantago major, etc.). They can be found from July to September. Wikipedia
Feeding on potted flowers in front of an office in Talkeetna, Alaska.
Spotted on Jul 3, 2013
Submitted on Jul 20, 2013
2 Comments
Thank you KarenP! This was my first trip to Alaska and my first sighting of this moth. It was spectacular.
Love those moths! I visited Alaska in late June 2013 and am just starting to post my photos. Looking forward to seeing yours. :)