White-lined Sphinx Moth

Description:

This is a large moth that is black and brown in color with white markings and lines throughout. It has a wingspan of 2-3 inches in length. It is a thick bodied moth and is quite furry.

Habitat:

Habitat: deserts, gardens, mountains, and suburbs. Range: This moth has a wide range from Central America north to Mexico and throughout most states in the United States. It can also be found in southern Canada, Eurasia, and Africa. Host plants of larvae include but are not limited to the following: willow weed, apple, primrose, purslane, and elm. Adults feed on larkspurs, honeysuckle, petunia, lilac, and moonvine to name a few. Ref: https://wimastergardener.org/article/whi... https://www.butterfliesandmoths.org/spec...

Notes:

I spotted this moth hanging out in the early morning hours on a wall near an entryway into our campus. I didn't realize until my research what it was. I've only seen a sphinx moth once before. At that time it was in flight and super cool to see. FUN FACTS: The Cahuilla and Tohono O’odham Native American tribes once used the larvae of this moth as a food source. Mature caterpillars were gathered, processed, and then roasted! White-lined Sphinx caterpillars burrow 1-4 inches in the ground to pupate. Other common names for this moth are Hummingbird moths, or Hawk moths. Studies indicate that they have great vision and can be sensitive to light. They also have strong olfactory capabilities. What cool moths!! Ref: https://wimastergardener.org/article/whi... http://jakesnatureblog.com/2017/09/22/wh... https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hyles_line...