Common NameGalium SphinxSeasonalityAdults 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 NameHyles galliiCommon 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.
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Citation
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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. Accessed 31 Aug. 2024.
References
AuthorCovell, C. V., Jr.
TitleA field guide to the moths of eastern North America.
Publication Date1984
Pages496
AuthorLafontaine, J. Donald and D. M. Wood
TitleInsects of the Yukon.
Publication Date1997
Pages723-785
AuthorHandfield, L.
TitleLe guide des papillons du Quebec.
Publication Date1999
Pages536
AuthorHodges, R. W.
TitleSphingoidea : hawkmoths
Publication Date1971
Specimen Information
There are 74 specimens of this Species.
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74 results plotted on map in 47 markers. Note: Only records with latitude and longitude coordinates are plotted on map.