Species Details
Paonias myops
University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum Read more about this collection »
Common NameSmall-eyed Sphinx
SeasonalityAdults 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 Name
Paonias myops
Common 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.
Citation
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 05 May. 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
Hodges, R. W.
Title
Sphingoidea : hawkmoths
Publication Date
1971
Specimen Information
There are 59 specimens of this Species.
BIRD2072 - Paonias myops
University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum
Place CollectedCanada: Alberta, Buffalo Lake Provincial Recreation Area
Collected ByBird, C. D.
Date Collected2001-06-22
BIRD2073 - Paonias myops
University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum
Place CollectedCanada: Alberta, Rochon Sands Provincial Park
Collected ByBird, C. D.
Date Collected2001-07-03
BIRD2074 - Paonias myops
University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum
Place CollectedCanada: Alberta, Rochon Sands Provincial Park
Collected ByBird, C. D.
Date Collected2001-07-03
BIRD2075 - Paonias myops
University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum
Place CollectedCanada: Alberta, Buffalo Lake Provincial Recreation Area
Collected ByBird, C. D.
Date Collected2002-06-23
BIRD2076 - Paonias myops
University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum
Place CollectedCanada: Alberta, Nevis
Collected ByBird, C. D.
Date Collected2002-06-25
BIRD2077 - Paonias myops
University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum
Place CollectedCanada: Alberta, Dry Island Buffalo Jump Provincial Park
Collected ByBird, C. D.
Date Collected2003-06-25
BIRD2078 - Paonias myops
University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum
Place CollectedCanada: Alberta, Arrowwood
Collected ByBird, C. D.
Date Collected2003-06-27
BIRD2079 - Paonias myops
University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum
Place CollectedCanada: Alberta, Arrowwood
Collected ByBird, C. D.
Date Collected2003-06-27
UASM57017 - Paonias myops
University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum
Place CollectedCanada: Alberta, Red Deer River
Collected ByAnweiler, G. G.
Date Collected2004-06-03
BIRD5897 - Paonias myops
University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum
Place CollectedCanada: Alberta, Rochon Sands Provincial Park
Collected ByBird, C. D.
Date Collected2004-06-09
BIRD5898 - Paonias myops
University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum
Place CollectedCanada: Alberta, Arrowwood
Collected ByBird, C. D.
Date Collected2004-06-26
UASM57176 - Paonias myops
University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum
Place CollectedCanada: Alberta, Edgerton
Collected ByAnweiler, G. G.
Date Collected2004-06-01
UASM57178 - Paonias myops
University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum
Place CollectedCanada: Alberta, Oldman River
Collected ByAnweiler, G. G.
Date Collected2004-06-21
UASM57390 - Paonias myops
University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum
Place CollectedCanada: Alberta, Pakowki Lake
Collected ByAnweiler, G. G.
Date Collected2005-05-19
UASM57391 - Paonias myops
University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum
Place CollectedCanada: Alberta, Pakowki Lake
Collected ByAnweiler, G. G.
Date Collected2005-05-19
UASM77874 - Paonias myops
University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum
Place CollectedCanada: Alberta, Waterton National Park
Collected ByAnweiler, G. G.
Date Collected2005-07-12
UASM58502 - Paonias myops
University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum
Place CollectedCanada: Alberta, Jenner
Collected ByAnweiler, G. G.; Schmidt, B. C.
Date Collected2005-06-14
BIRD14842 - Paonias myops
University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum
Place CollectedCanada: Alberta, Rochon Sands Provincial Park
Collected ByBird, C. D.
Date Collected2005-05-31
BIRD14843 - Paonias myops
University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum
Place CollectedCanada: Alberta, Rochon Sands Provincial Park
Collected ByBird, C. D.
Date Collected2005-06-14
UASM41976 - Paonias myops
University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum
Place CollectedCanada: Alberta, Jenner
Collected ByAnweiler, G. G.; Schmidt, B. C.
Date Collected2005-06-14
BIRD17784 - Paonias myops
University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum
Place CollectedCanada: Alberta, Rochon Sands Provincial Park
Collected ByBird, C. D.
Date Collected2006-06-07