Spokane County, Washington
Sphingidae

Pachysphinx occidentalis, Spokane, Washington, August 12, 2005, courtesy of Zana Goulding.

This page is inspired by and dedicated to Zana Goulding who sent me the image of Pachysphinx modesta/occidentalis ?? at the top of the page. Zana also reports Hyles lineata on August 11, 2005 and August 20, 2005.

In 2006 Zana reports Pachysphinx modesta June 28; Hyles lineata mid June; Smerinthus cerisyi late June.

Hopefully I have accurately determined Zana's moth to be P. occidentalis based on stronger maculations on the forewing, particularly in the basal area (antemedial line). The very similar P. modesta has a paler, indistinct marking in the basal area as opposed to the darker, more distinct irregular line of P. occidentalis. The moth depicted, however, also has characters more in line with P. modesta.

Seventeen Sphingidae species are listed for Washington. Not all of the species are reported or anticipated in Spokane County. It is hoped that this checklist, with the thumbnails and notes, will help you quickly identify the moths you have encountered.

A "WO" after the species name indicates that I have no confirmed reports of this species in Spokane County, but I (William Oehlke) expect that this moth is present. A USGS indicates the moth is reported on the USGS website and/or in Moths of Western North America, #2. Distribution of Sphingidae of Western North America, revised, an excellent little booklet available through Paul Opler.

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

Sphinginae subfamily Sphingini tribe: Manduca quinquemaculata WO, the Five-spotted Hawkmoth This species is probably present (unreported) and larvae feed on tomatoes and go by the common name of "Tomato Hornworms". Sphinx drupiferarum USGS, the Wild Cherry Sphinx This species is reported on the USGS for Spokane County. I only see them occasionally on P.E.I. despite visiting lights frequently. Sphinx perelegans USGS, the Elegant Sphinx The upperside of the forewing is dark grey to black with a paler costa and pale area from the base to the wing's centre. Prefered habitats include montane woodlands and mixed chaparral-type vegetation. Sphinx vashti WO, the Snowberry Sphinx The upperside of the forewing has a narrow black subterminal line bordered by a white inverted V-shaped line on the outside, and a black line running inwards from the apex of the wing. It is most often found in montane woodlands and along streamcourses. Smerinthini Tribe: Pachysphinx modesta WO/ZG, the Modest Sphinx or Poplar Sphinx, This large poplar/willow feeder probably flies in Spokane County. They are a heavy bodied species. Pachysphinx modesta, Zana Goulding, June 29, 2006, Spokane Pachysphinx occidentalis ZG/USGS, the Big Poplar Sphinx This one is quite similar to Pachysphinx modesta, with modesta being smaller and darker. There may be naturally occuring hybrids in Spokane. Pachysphinx occidentalis, Zana Goulding, August 12, 2005, Spokane Paonias excaecata USGS, the Blinded Sphinx The grey-blue eyespot of the hindwing gives this species its name. Larvae feed on birches, willows, cherries and oaks. The outer edge of the forewings is quite scalloped. Paonias myops WO, the Small-eyed Sphinx This small species is probably widespread and common. This species ranges across North America. The hindwings have a small blue eyespot ringed with black on a yellow background. Smerinthus cerisyi USGS/ZG, the Cerisyi's Sphinx If you have willows and poplars nearby, you've probably got populations of the Cerisyi's Sphinx. The hindwings are quite striking. Smerinthus cerisyi, Zana Goulding, late June, 2006, Spokane Macroglossinae subfamily Dilophonotini tribe Hemaris diffinis WO, the Snowberry Clearwing or Bumblebee Moth Although not officially reported from Spokane, this day flying moth is widely distributed in Washington. I suspect I will get reports from Spokane County. Macroglossini tribe Arctonotus lucidus WO, the Pacific Green Sphinx Moth or Bear Sphinx Found to the northwest, east and south, this species is probably present. It tends to be an early spring flier, on the wing in the early evening. It comes to lights at night. Hyles gallii USGS, the Bedstraw Hawk Moth or Gallium Sphinx This species is officially reported from Spokane County; if you have Gallium or Epilobium, you probably have populations of this species. Hyles lineata ZG/USGS, the White-lined Sphinx This species is very widespread. It can be seen flying during the day, into the evening and also at night. The highly variable larvae are often found in people's gardens. Hyles lineata, Zana Goulding, August 11, 2005, Spokane Hyles lineata, Zana Goulding, August, 20, 2005, Spokane Hyles lineata, Zana Goulding, mid June, 2006, Spokane Proserpinus clarkiae USGS, Clark's Sphinx This day flier is officially reported from Spokane County, April-June, prefering oak woodland and pine-oak woodland in foothills. Moths nectar at a variety of flowers in the afternoon. Proserpinus flavofasciata WO, the Yellow-banded Day Sphinx This day flier is not officially reported from Spokane, but it has been found to the north, east, south and west in meadows near coniferous forests.

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This page is brought to you by Bill Oehlke and the WLSS. Pages are on space rented from Bizland. If you would like to become a "Patron of the Sphingidae Site", contact Bill.

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