Whatcom County
Sphingidae
Seventeen Sphingidae species are listed for Washington. Not all of
the species are reported or anticipated in Whatcom County
in northern Washington. It is hoped that
this checklist, with the thumbnails and notes, will help you
quickly identify the moths you have encountered.
The Cascades seem to be a barrier to some of the more eastern species.
A "USGS"
indicates the moth is reported in USGS 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.
A "WO" after the species name indicates that
I have no confirmed reports of this species in Whatcom County, but I
(William Oehlke) expect that this moth is or might be present.
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:
 |
This species is possibly present (unreported) and larvae feed on
tomatoes and go by the common name of
"Tomato Hornworms". |
 |
Although not reported from Whatcom (reported in Okanogan), I suspect it is present.
I only see them occasionally on P.E.I. despite visiting lights frequently. |
 | 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. |
 |
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 USGS,
the Modest Sphinx or Poplar Sphinx,
This large poplar/willow feeder is probably quite common in Whatcom.
They are a heavy bodied species.
|
 |
The grey-blue eyespot (without a black center pupil) 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. |
 |
If you have willows and poplars nearby, you've probably got populations of
the Cerisyi's Sphinx. The hindwings are quite striking. |
Macroglossinae subfamily
Dilophonotini tribe:
 |
Hemaris diffinis WO, the Snowberry Clearwing or Bumblebee Moth
Although not officially reported from Whatcom, this day flying moth
is widely distributed in Washington.
I suspect I will get reports from Whatcom County. |
Macroglossini tribe:
 |
Hyles gallii USGS,
the Bedstraw Hawk Moth or Gallium Sphinx
This species is reported from Whatcom County, and if
you have Gallium or Epilobium, you probably have
localized populations of this species. |
 |
Hyles lineata 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. |
 |
This day flier, April-June, prefering oak woodland and pine-oak
woodland in foothills, is confirmed by Bob Pyle. 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 Whatcom, but it has
been found to the south (west of the Cascades) and in southwestern
British Columbia in meadows near
coniferous forests. |
|
|
Here are sighting records and general information for
Sphingidae in Whatcom County.
Bob Pyle BP reports, " I
have a confirmed (collected) record for E. clarkiae from Whatcom CO"
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