Common NameClemens' SphinxSeasonalityAdults have been collected in Alberta in June.IdentificationA large (5.6-8.0 cm. wingspan) narrow-winged, heavy-bodied moth. The male has pale brown forewings shading to dark brown along the costa and blackish on the outer edge and along the lower margin. The hindwing is pale yellow with a broad black terminal band and a white fringe. The light brown abdomen contrasts sharply with the black thorax. The female is darker and less contrasting, with the forewing dark grey-brown shading to even darker brown on the margins. The hindwing is a light brown with a broad black terminal band and white fringe. The reniform spot in both sexes may be marked by a small white dot.
Scientific NameSphinx luscitiosaCommon Name
Clemens' Sphinx
Habitat
Clearings, edges and meadows in wooded areas.
Seasonality
Adults have been collected in Alberta in June.
Identification
A large (5.6-8.0 cm. wingspan) narrow-winged, heavy-bodied moth. The male has pale brown forewings shading to dark brown along the costa and blackish on the outer edge and along the lower margin. The hindwing is…
A large (5.6-8.0 cm. wingspan) narrow-winged, heavy-bodied moth. The male has pale brown forewings shading to dark brown along the costa and blackish on the outer edge and along the lower margin. The hindwing is pale yellow with a broad black terminal band and a white fringe. The light brown abdomen contrasts sharply with the black thorax. The female is darker and less contrasting, with the forewing dark grey-brown shading to even darker brown on the margins. The hindwing is a light brown with a broad black terminal band and white fringe. The reniform spot in both sexes may be marked by a small white dot.
Life History
This large sphinx is unusual for several reasons. It is one of the few species of the genus Sphinx that shows significant sexual dimorphism. Also, the males in particular are apparently mainly diurnal and have been…
This large sphinx is unusual for several reasons. It is one of the few species of the genus Sphinx that shows significant sexual dimorphism. Also, the males in particular are apparently mainly diurnal and have been collected while nectaring at flowers, including lilacs and dandelion. Females appear to be active in the evening and at night, and have been collected only at lights. Clemens' Sphinx have also been observed visiting and apparently obtaining nourishment from dead, decaying fish, and this behavior has been observed along the North Saskatchewan River here in Alberta.
Conservation
Conservation: Although widespread, it appears to be very uncommon.
Diet Info
No Alberta ata. Elsewhere reported to use a variety of trees and shrubs as larval hosts, including apple, ash, birch, northern bayberry, poplar, wax-myrtle, willow, and others (McGuggan, 1958; Covell, 1984; Handfield, 1999).
No Alberta ata. Elsewhere reported to use a variety of trees and shrubs as larval hosts, including apple, ash, birch, northern bayberry, poplar, wax-myrtle, willow, and others (McGuggan, 1958; Covell, 1984; Handfield, 1999).
Range
Widespread in eastern North America, from the maritimes west to central Alberta. In Alberta it has been found along the southern edge of the boreal forest and in the aspen parkland region.
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Citation
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Page Citation for Sphinx luscitiosa
Page Citation
"Species Details - Sphinx luscitiosa, University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum." University of Alberta Museums Search Site, https://search.museums.ualberta.ca/g/2-580. Accessed 15 Oct. 2024.
References
AuthorCovell, C. V., Jr.
TitleA field guide to the moths of eastern North America.
Publication Date1984
Pages496
AuthorHandfield, L.
TitleLe guide des papillons du Quebec.
Publication Date1999
Pages536
AuthorMcGugan, B. M.
TitlePapilionidae - Arctiidae
Publication Date1958
Series TitleForest Lepidoptera of Canada
Volume1
Pages76
AuthorHodges, R. W.
TitleSphingoidea : hawkmoths
Publication Date1971
Specimen Information
There are 9 specimens of this Species.
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9 results plotted on map in 6 markers. Note: Only records with latitude and longitude coordinates are plotted on map.