The Sphingidae of British Columbia

List from Royal British Columbia Museum website, with recent (June 17, 2011) update to include Deilephila elpenor which has apparently established itself in southern British Columbia. Moths previously thought to be Hemaris diffinis are now classified as Hemaris thetis.

I have also updated this page to include Smerinthus ophthalmica Boisduval, 1855. This species is very similar to Smerinthus cerisyi and had been synonymized with cerisyi. Schmidt & Anweiler (2010) published a report based on examination of DNA to justify the resurrection of Smerinthus ophthalmica. Many thanks to Edna Woodward for alerting me of the change.

Deilephila elpenor, Maple Ridge, British Columbia,
May 31, 2014, courtesy of Greg Stuart.

Deilephila elpenor, East Vancouver, British Columbia,
June 16, 2011, photographer Julia Hilton, via Nayt Keane.

Deilephila elpenor, Maple Ridge, British Columbia,
July 27, 2011, courtesy of Stephanie Larbalestier.

Deilephila elpenor, Maple Ridge, British Columbia,
July 20, 2013, courtesy of Sherry Randall.

Deilephila elpenor fifth instar, Maple Ridge, British Columbia,
August 21, 2012, courtesy of Marcia Hotvedt.

Smerinthus ophthalmica, Vernon, British Columbia, July 2005, courtesy of Julie Pinette.

Hyles lineata nectaring, courtesy of Cheryl Condy.

Cheryl writes, "This friendly moth visited my flower pots around 4 o'clock in the after noon (August 2005). I live in southeastern British Columbia in the Columbia Valley near Radium Hot Springs. This was the first time I have seen this moth and have yet to see another."

Sphinx ophthalmica, pre-pupal, courtesy of Shannon Carifelle.

Shannon writes, July 27-28, 2006, "This caterpillar was found on Vancouver Island, British Columbia. It was walking on the road. Photo is from a friend of a friend." Identification by Bill Oehlke.

Smerinthus ophthalmica fifth instar, Vaseux Lake, Okanagan Falls. British Columbia,
September 8, 2013, courtesy of Phil Davies.

Hyles lineata, Fort St. John, British Columbia, Canada,
September 2, 2012, courtesy of Elaine Walker.

Elaine writes, "Enclosed are a few photos that were taken on September 2, 2012 in Fort St. John, British Columbia, Canada. This is in the north eastern part of the province at about 11:00 pm. I had never seen them before and thought it was a hummingbird but had never seen one that small. When I photographed it and then looked at the photos I noticed that it was an insect. I found out what it was from another bug enthusiast. Thought you might want to know that they have been seen close to the Northwest Territories border."

Smerinthus ophthalmica, Gabriola Island, B.C., July 2, 2007, courtesy of Jane Southern.

Hyles gallii on Epilobium, Hazelton, northwestern British Columbia, courtesy of Shannon Hurst.

Proserpinus flavofasciata, Invermere, British Columbia, May 2006, courtesy of Matthew Holden.

Sphinx vashti, Adams Lake, British Columbia, May 24, 2004, courtesy of Kathy Francoeur.

Paonias myops, Adams Lake, British Columbia, May 24, 2004, courtesy of Kathy Francoeur.

Hyles lineata pupa, Okanagan Region, courtesy of Paul Richman family

Paul Richman writes, "I found some useful information on a caterpillar I have been trying to identify at your site http://www.silkmoths.bizland.com/hlinelin.htm. The caterpillar was found by my son Sebastian.

"The emergent moth confirms the ID.

"Sebastian found the larva between Lumby and Cherryville in the Okanagan region of British Columbia, also referred to as the Southern Interior."

Hemaris thetis Gabriola Island, British Columbia, Canada,
June 28, 2008, courtesy of Jean Wyenberg.

Visit Smerinthus ophthalmica adult, Canyon, British Columbia, June 13, 2013, Elaine Dixon.

Visit Smerinthus ophthalmica adult, Parksville, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada, May 25, 2009, courtesy of Ben and April.

Visit Smerinthus ophthalmica adult, Pemberton, British Columbia, May 15, 2010, courtesy of John Tschopp.

Visit Smerinthus ophthalmica larva, four views, View Royal, British Columbia, August 1, 2010, courtesy of Lauren, David and Rick Van Acken.

Visit Smerinthus ophthalmica larva, Port Kells, Clayton Heights, Surrey, British Columbia, August 20, 2012, courtesy of Lisa Ingvallsen.

Go to British Columbia Adult Sphingidae Thumbnails.

Go to British Columbia Sphingidae Larvae Thumbnails.

Enjoy some of nature's wonderments, giant silk moth cocoons. These cocoons are for sale winter and fall. Beautiful Saturniidae moths will emerge the following spring and summer. Read Actias luna rearing article. Additional online help available.

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