Observation date: April 30, 2013
Submitted by: abashaw
Specimen type: Photograph
Observation notes: We've noticed some damage to our Early Hanover kale recently, and we have been coincidentally visited by this (presumably) White-lined sphinx over the past couple of nights. From what I understand, the larvae are fond of tomato plants, which we also have planted fairly near to the kale. I believe he's getting his nourishment from the honeysuckle plants we have planted out front, although - it's been getting stuck in our home each night, so I'm starting to wonder if his hiding place is inside! He's about the size of a small hummingbird. He appears to have a wing span of approx. 6''. It has a prominent brown head, a brown thorax with 6 white stripes and a brown abdomen with paired dark spots on each segment. The fore wings are brown with a buff-colored band from base to tip and veins outlined in white. I have not yet been able to get a good look at its hind wings, but from what I understand they are usually pink. I have also not seen it uncurl its proboscis, so I'm unsure as to the length. It has six legs as do most moths. Its antennae are thin at the base, ending slightly enlarged and are not feathered. Very pretty moth, but we're slightly hoping he doesn't get much opportunity to reproduce, considering the damage to our kale. I'll be checking the undersides of leaves for signs of eggs soon!
Status: Resident
Verified by: kellyrichers
Verified date: May 09, 2013
Coordinator notes: I will go out on a limb and agree with you , not because I can see the moth well, but because this is one of only two moths with the white stripe in this area and I do not think it is Sphinx perelegens, which has a much more blotchy white area -the other one! Kelly
