Lapara bombycoides, July 3, Peterborough, Ontario, courtesy of Tim Dyson.

DISTRIBUTION: Lapara bombycoides, the Northern Pine Sphinx (Wing span: 1 3/4 - 2 3/8 inches (4.5 - 6 cm)), ranges through mixed and coniferous forest in southern portions of Canadian provinces from Saskatchewan to Prince Edward Island and is found in the eastern half of the U.S. except in the southern most states. The upperside of the forewing is gray with heavy black bands. The upperside of the hindwing is brownish gray with no markings. The underside is rather plain as per this image, courtesy of Tim Dyson, Peterborough, Ontario, July 6, 2005.

FLIGHT TIMES:

Male and female Lapara bombycoides moths come readily to lights from mid June to mid July in Canada.

ECLOSION:

Little is known about the eclosions of the earth pupators, but many believe pupae wiggle toward the surface just prior to emergence.

SCENTING AND MATING

Female Lapara bombycoides extend a scent gland from the posterior of the abdomen to lure in the night flying males.

Livestock of the Northern Pine Sphinx is usually available in the fall.

EGGS, LARVAE, PUPAE: Lapara bombycoides eggs are a translucent pale green and incubation lasts 8-10 days at constant temp of 68-72 F. Larvae are without the anal horn (even in the first instar) typical of most members of this family. Images to right and below, courtesy of Tim Dyson.

Larvae feed upon various pine species, including red pine (Pinus resinosa), pitch pine (P. rigida), and Scotch pine (P. sylvestris); and American larch (Larix laricina). The white longitudinal stripes of this third instar larva break the body into slender green "needles".

Larvae progress very rapidly in later instars and are very attractive and somehow remind me of Graellsia isabellae, a Saturnid pine feeder from Spain. The red down the center of the back (fourth instar) also blends in with the pine bark and the sheath at the base of the needle.

The red down the center of the back (fifth instar) is more extensive and suggests the needles which have dried with summer heat. The white lines have yellowed.

Lapara bombycoides fifth instar larva by Bill Oehlke.

Larvae pupate readily under paper towels (no soil medium needed) in a dark bucket.

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