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Species Details
Hyles gallii
University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum Read more about this collection »
Common NameGalium Sphinx
SeasonalityAdults are on the wing from June through early August.
IdentificationA large (6.5-9.0 cm. wingspan) long-winged and heavy-bodied moth. The forewing is black, with a wide cream-yellow stripe running the length of it and a wide, blue-grey terminal band, all rather sharply separated. The hindwing is black with a wide rose-pink median band and a narrower terminal one, and with a white spot in the anal angle. The similar H. euphorbiae has a mainly light brown forewing freckled with dark spots, and with the black costa replaced by two dark brown spots. H. lineata has the forewing veins outlined in white scales.
Scientific Name
Hyles gallii
Common Name
Galium Sphinx
Habitat
Open areas, including clearings, meadows, forest edges and urban gardens, etc.
Seasonality
Adults are on the wing from June through early August.
Identification
A large (6.5-9.0 cm. wingspan) long-winged and heavy-bodied moth. The forewing is black, with a wide cream-yellow stripe running the length of it and a wide, blue-grey terminal band, all rather sharply separated. …
A large (6.5-9.0 cm. wingspan) long-winged and heavy-bodied moth. The forewing is black, with a wide cream-yellow stripe running the length of it and a wide, blue-grey terminal band, all rather sharply separated. The hindwing is black with a wide rose-pink median band and a narrower terminal one, and with a white spot in the anal angle. The similar H. euphorbiae has a mainly light brown forewing freckled with dark spots, and with the black costa replaced by two dark brown spots. H. lineata has the forewing veins outlined in white scales.
Life History
This beautiful moth is the most common and widespread member of the genus in Alberta. It occurs much further north than most of our sphinx moths. It may on occasion be found nectaring at flowers in urban and other…
This beautiful moth is the most common and widespread member of the genus in Alberta. It occurs much further north than most of our sphinx moths. It may on occasion be found nectaring at flowers in urban and other gardens in the evening. Like other members of the family, it has a very rapid wingbeat, and can easily be mistaken for a hummingbird. There is one generation per year.
Conservation
No concerns.
Diet Info
No Alberta data; elsewhere Fireweed (Epilobium), Bedstraw (Gallium) and other herbs.
Citation
Page Citation for Hyles gallii
Page Citation
"Species Details - Hyles gallii, University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum." University of Alberta Museums Search Site, https://search.museums.ualberta.ca/g/2-540/9-1953. Accessed 25 Jun. 2024.
References
Author
Covell, C. V., Jr.
Title
A field guide to the moths of eastern North America.
Publication Date
1984
Pages
496
Author
Lafontaine, J. Donald and D. M. Wood
Title
Insects of the Yukon.
Publication Date
1997
Pages
723-785
Author
Handfield, L.
Title
Le guide des papillons du Quebec.
Publication Date
1999
Pages
536
Author
Hodges, R. W.
Title
Sphingoidea : hawkmoths
Publication Date
1971
Specimen Information
There are 74 specimens of this Species.
UASM187244 - Hyles gallii
University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum
Place CollectedCanada: British Columbia, Cranbrook
Collected ByJanz, L.
Date Collected1991-08-20
UASM187245 - Hyles gallii
University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum
Place CollectedCanada: Alberta, Calgary
Collected ByWolley-Dod, F. H.
Date Collected1898-06-09
UASM187246 - Hyles gallii
University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum
Place CollectedCanada: Alberta, Calgary
Collected ByWolley-Dod, F. H.
Date Collected1898-06-05
UASM187247 - Hyles gallii
University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum
Place CollectedCanada: Alberta, Lethbridge
Collected BySeamans, H. L.
Date Collected1922-07-31
UASM187248 - Hyles gallii
University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum
Place CollectedCanada: Alberta, Edmonton
Collected ByMackie, D.
Date Collected1917-07-09
UASM187249 - Hyles gallii
University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum
Place CollectedCanada: British Columbia, Pink Mountain
Collected BySperling, F.
Date Collected1998-07-03
UASM187250 - Hyles gallii
University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum
Place CollectedCanada: British Columbia, Pink Mountain
Collected BySperling, F.
Date Collected1998-07-03
UASM187251 - Hyles gallii
University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum
Place CollectedCanada: Alberta, Edmonton
Collected ByAnweiler
Date Collected1997-07-31
BIRD35885 - Hyles gallii
University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum
Place CollectedCanada: Alberta, Erskine
Collected ByBird, C. D.
Date Collected2012-06-23
UASM348213 - Hyles gallii
University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum
Place CollectedCanada: Alberta, Caribou Mountains Wildland Park, Wentzel Lake
Collected ByMacaulay, D.; Dunne, S.
Date Collected2003-07-09
BIRD37518 - Hyles gallii
University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum
Place CollectedCanada: Alberta, Winfield
Collected ByBird, C. D.
Date Collected2014-06-27