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 16 Apr. 2024.
References
Author
Handfield, L.
Title
Le guide des papillons du Quebec.
Publication Date
1999
Pages
536
Author
Smith, Michael J.
Title
Moths of Western North America. Distribution of Sphingidae of western North America, revised edition.
Publication Date
1995
Volume
2
Author
McGugan, B. M.
Title
Papilionidae - Arctiidae
Publication Date
1958
Series Title
Forest Lepidoptera of Canada
Volume
1
Pages
76
Author
Hodges, R. W.
Title
Sphingoidea : hawkmoths
Publication Date
1971
Specimen Information
There are 77 specimens of this Species.
UASM187285 - Paonias excaecatus
University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum
Place CollectedCanada: Alberta, Moose Lake Provincial Park
Date Collected2005-06-25
UASM187286 - Paonias excaecatus
University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum
Place CollectedCanada: British Columbia, Cranbrook
Collected ByJanz, L.
Date Collected1992-06-21
UASM187287 - Paonias excaecatus
University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum
Place CollectedCanada: British Columbia, Cranbrook
Collected ByJanz, L.
Date Collected1992-06-17
UASM187288 - Paonias excaecatus
University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum
Place CollectedCanada: British Columbia, Cranbrook
Collected ByJanz, L.
Date Collected1992-06-22
UASM187289 - Paonias excaecatus
University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum
Place CollectedCanada: British Columbia, Cranbrook
Collected ByJanz, L.
Date Collected1997-05-20
UASM187290 - Paonias excaecatus
University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum
Place CollectedCanada: Alberta, Battle River
Collected BySchmidt, B. C.
Date Collected2001-06-21
UASM187291 - Paonias excaecatus
University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum
Place CollectedCanada: Alberta, Horseshoe Canyon
Collected ByPike, E. M.
Date Collected1999-06-13
UASM187292 - Paonias excaecatus
University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum
Place CollectedCanada: Alberta
Collected ByPike, E. M.
Date Collected1984-06-15
UASM187293 - Paonias excaecatus
University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum
Place CollectedCanada: Alberta, Dunvegan
Collected BySchmidt, C.
Date Collected2005-05-30
UASM187294 - Paonias excaecatus
University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum
Place CollectedCanada: British Columbia, Gabriola Island
Collected ByAnweiler, G.
Date Collected1989-06-28
JD6524 - Paonias excaecatus
University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum
Place CollectedCanada: British Columbia, Fort Steele
Collected ByDombroskie, J. J.; Brunet, B.
Date Collected2009-06-16
CBCC1274 - Paonias excaecatus
University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum
Place CollectedCanada: Alberta, Moose Lake Provincial Park
Collected ByChristensen, C. B.
Date Collected2005-06-25
CBCC1275 - Paonias excaecatus
University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum
Place CollectedCanada: Alberta, Moose Lake Provincial Park
Collected ByChristensen, C. B.
Date Collected2005-06-26
BIRD36785 - Paonias excaecatus
University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum
Place CollectedCanada: Alberta, Arrowwood
Collected ByBird, C. D.
Date Collected2013-06-12