Butterflies and Moths of North America

collecting and sharing data about Lepidoptera

  Sighting 537893

Big poplar sphinx
Pachysphinx occidentalis

Observation date: June 10, 2011
Submitted by: shadypinestables
Specimen type: Photograph
Observation notes: Large, at least 6 or 7 inches long with a wing span of about 8 inches. Biggest critter I've ever seen. Didn't not appear to fly well. Fell off post and flopped around rather pitifully.
Status: Resident
Verified by: davidwdroppers
Verified date: June 10, 2011
Coordinator notes: Thanks for the record. Very large and very cool moths. The flopping around was a defense mechanism; they fly only at night.
Checklist region(s): Grant County, Washington, United States