Common NameSmall-eyed SphinxSeasonalityAdults have been collected in Alberta from mid-June through mid-July.IdentificationA large (4.5-7.5 cm wingspan) heavy-bodied moth with elongated forewings that are expanded and irregularly scalloped on the outer margin. The forewings are a mix of rich browns, pinks and yellow-orange. The hindwings are yellow-orange and brown, with a large black eyespot with a blue pupil. Body is dark orange brown. The similarly shaped P. excaecatus, is larger and has pink hindwings. Combination of large size, irregular wing-shape and yellow hindwings will separate the Small-eyed sphinx from all other Alberta moths.
Scientific NamePaonias myopsCommon Name
Small-eyed Sphinx
Habitat
Open woodland and woodland edges, shrub areas, etc.
Seasonality
Adults have been collected in Alberta from mid-June through mid-July.
Identification
A large (4.5-7.5 cm wingspan) heavy-bodied moth with elongated forewings that are expanded and irregularly scalloped on the outer margin. The forewings are a mix of rich browns, pinks and yellow-orange. The hindwings…
A large (4.5-7.5 cm wingspan) heavy-bodied moth with elongated forewings that are expanded and irregularly scalloped on the outer margin. The forewings are a mix of rich browns, pinks and yellow-orange. The hindwings are yellow-orange and brown, with a large black eyespot with a blue pupil. Body is dark orange brown. The similarly shaped P. excaecatus, is larger and has pink hindwings. Combination of large size, irregular wing-shape and yellow hindwings will separate the Small-eyed sphinx from all other Alberta moths.
Life History
The Small-eyed sphinx is nocturnal and comes to light. The larvae are solitary defoliators. There is a single brood each year.
Conservation
Fairly widespread but uncommon; no concerns.
Diet Info
No Alberta data. Elsewhere reported larval hosts include a wide range of trees and shrubs, including Saskatoon (Amelanchier), various wild cherries (Prunus sp.), willow (Salix), birch (Betula), Grape (Vitis), Hazel…
No Alberta data. Elsewhere reported larval hosts include a wide range of trees and shrubs, including Saskatoon (Amelanchier), various wild cherries (Prunus sp.), willow (Salix), birch (Betula), Grape (Vitis), Hazel (Corylus), hawthorn (Craetagus) and poplars (Populus).
Range
Nova Scotia west to central BC, north into the southern edge of the boreal forest and south to northern Mexico. In Alberta, it is found mainly in the dry wooded valleys of the Grasslands and the Aspen Parklands,…
Nova Scotia west to central BC, north into the southern edge of the boreal forest and south to northern Mexico. In Alberta, it is found mainly in the dry wooded valleys of the Grasslands and the Aspen Parklands, rarely north into the southern edge of the Boreal forest, and in the southern foothills.
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Citation
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Page Citation for Paonias myops
Page Citation
"Species Details - Paonias myops, University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum." University of Alberta Museums Search Site, https://search.museums.ualberta.ca/g/2-1115. Accessed 06 Nov. 2024.
References
AuthorHandfield, L.
TitleLe guide des papillons du Quebec.
Publication Date1999
Pages536
AuthorSmith, Michael J.
TitleMoths of Western North America. Distribution of Sphingidae of western North America, revised edition.
Publication Date1995
Volume2
AuthorHodges, R. W.
TitleSphingoidea : hawkmoths
Publication Date1971
Specimen Information
There are 59 specimens of this Species.
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59 results plotted on map in 42 markers. Note: Only records with latitude and longitude coordinates are plotted on map.