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Species Details

Paonias excaecatus

University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum Read more about this collection »

Common NameBlinded Sphinx SeasonalityAdults have been collected in Alberta from early June through mid-July. IdentificationA large (5.5-9.5 cm wingspan) moth that has elongated forewings with irregular scalloped outer margins. The forewings and body are several shades of rich brown. Hindwings are mostly pink, with a prominent blue eyespot surrounded by black. Both sexes are similar in appearance. The similar Alberta sphinx with pink hindwings have grey and not brown forewings.
Scientific Name Paonias excaecatus Common Name Blinded Sphinx Habitat Open woodland and woodland edges, clearings, shrub areas, gardens, etc. Seasonality Adults have been collected in Alberta from early June through mid-July. Identification
A large (5.5-9.5 cm wingspan) moth that has elongated forewings with irregular scalloped outer margins. The forewings and body are several shades of rich brown. Hindwings are mostly pink, with a prominent blue…
A large (5.5-9.5 cm wingspan) moth that has elongated forewings with irregular scalloped outer margins. The forewings and body are several shades of rich brown. Hindwings are mostly pink, with a prominent blue eyespot surrounded by black. Both sexes are similar in appearance. The similar Alberta sphinx with pink hindwings have grey and not brown forewings.
Life History The Blinded sphinx is nocturnal and comes to light. The larvae are solitary defoliators, and there is a single brood each year. They overwinter as pupae. Conservation A fairly common widespread species; no concerns. Diet Info
No Alberta data; elsewhere reported to utilize a wide variety of trees and shrubs including Hawthorn (Craetagus), Saskatoon (Amelanchier), cultivated plums and cherries (Prunus), White birch (Betula payrifera), elm…
No Alberta data; elsewhere reported to utilize a wide variety of trees and shrubs including Hawthorn (Craetagus), Saskatoon (Amelanchier), cultivated plums and cherries (Prunus), White birch (Betula payrifera), elm (Ulmus), bassswood (Tilia), and willow (Salix).
Range
Nova Scotia west to Vancouver Island, south to California, Arizona, New Mexico and the Gulf of Mexico. In Alberta, it has been collected in the Aspen Parklands, southern Boreal Forest, and in the wooded parts of the…
Nova Scotia west to Vancouver Island, south to California, Arizona, New Mexico and the Gulf of Mexico. In Alberta, it has been collected in the Aspen Parklands, southern Boreal Forest, and in the wooded parts of the valleys in the Grasslands region.

Citation

Page Citation for Paonias excaecatus

Page Citation

"Species Details - Paonias excaecatus, University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum." University of Alberta Museums Search Site, https://search.museums.ualberta.ca/g/2-1114. Accessed 25 Mar. 2023.

Taxonomic Hierarchy

Kingdom Animalia Phylum Arthropoda Class Hexapoda Subclass Insecta Order Lepidoptera Suborder Ditrysia Superfamily Sphingoidea Family Sphingidae Genus Paonias Species Paonias excaecatus
This hierarchy is created from our museum records, it may not always accurately reflect modern taxonomies.

Taxonomic Hierarchy for University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum