Northwest Teritories, Canada
Sphingidae Larvae

Sphinx poecila courtesy of Tom Andrews, via David Tilden.

Five Sphingidae species are listed for Northwest Teritories, based on information sent to me by David Tilden. I have added two species without confirmation

Please help me develop this list with improved, documented accuracy by sending sightings (species, date, location), preferably with an electronic image, via email to Bill Oehlke.

This page is dedicated to David Tilden and Tim Andrews who have sent me data and/or images.

Sphinginae subfamily

Sphingini tribe:

Sphinx canadensis DT, Sphinx canadensis, the Canadian Sphinx, is not common, and is not often reported anywhere, but it is present and is reported from southern Ontario.

Larval hosts are white ash (Fraxinus americana) and blueberry (Vaccinium). Sorry, no larval image available.

Sphinx luscitiosa WO?, the Canadian Sphinx or Clemen's Sphinx

This one is reported from Ontario, but it is generally not common.

Sphinx poecila DT, the Poecila Sphinx

If you have blueberries in the woods, then you probably have the Poecila Sphinx.

They are pretty common here on Prince Edward Island.

Larvae can be purple or green.

Smerinthini Tribe:

Smerinthus cerisyi DT, the Cerisyi's Sphinx
Smerinthus cerisyi is found in the southern regions of all Canadian provinces and in northern border states. The one-eyed sphinx is also found along the U.S. west coast, eastward to the Rockies. At my home in Montague, P.E.I., Canada, they are quite common.

Macroglossinae subfamily


Dilophonotini tribe:

Hemaris thysbe DT, the Hummingbird Clearwing

There is also an orangey-pink prepupal form. The lateral line runs from S1 to the blue horn.

Hemaris thysbe larvae feed on viburnum and related plants. generally more eastern species

Macroglossini tribe:

Hyles gallii DT, the Bedstraw Hawk Moth or Gallium Sphinx

This species is confirmed in Northwest Territories.

Some years I see them on P.E.I., some years, I do not.

Larvae can be quite variable.

Proserpinus flavofasciata DT, the Yellow-banded Day Sphinx

This day flier is officially reported from Ontario, but it maynot be common. Look for them in meadows near coniferous forests.



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Please send sightings/images to Bill. I will do my best to respond to requests for identification help.