Lintneria separatus fourth instar, Portal, Cochise County, Arizona,
September 7, 2010, courtesy of Barbara Miller.

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TAXONOMY: Family: Sphingidae, Latreille, 1802 Subfamily: Sphinginae, Latreille, 1802 Tribe: Sphingini, Latreille, 1802 Genus: Lintneria Butler, 1876 ........... Species: separatus (Neumoegen, 1885)

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On September 7, 2010, Barbara Miller sent me the beautiful image posted above, asked, "Who is this beautiful patterned cat.?" and included the following details:
"Southeast AZ, 4500ft Juniper/Sycamore;
When stretched out about 2 1/2 in long;
I have not seen him eating. I have collected it in a jar but don't know what to feed it.
He was on Iris stalks. There is a large oval in black on the flat top.
"He was in my flower garden where I have many native and perennial flowers."

I replied, "I am pretty sure it is fourth instar Lintneria separatus, one of the Sphingidae. Very nice pictures. It still has about a week of feeding before it is ready to pupate.

"Please let me know the actual Arizona county as I keep records of such things.

"I have a thumbnail checklist for Cochise County at http://www.silkmoths.bizland.com/azCochisesphlar.htm and there are two other Lintneria possibilities, but colouration is most suggestive of separatus.

"It is anticipated that the Lintneria larvae will most often be encountered on Lamiaceae: Salvia (Sage), Mentha (Mints), Monarda (Beebalm) and Hyptis (Bushmints); Verbenaceae: Verbena and Lantana camara (shrub verbenas or lantanas).

"Are you growing and sage or mint in your garden? Have a look on those hostplants to see if there are missing leaves. The jar you have it in should have lid on tight and no airholes as you want to conserve the moisture in the leaves you will be offering it.

"Again, please let me know the actual Arizona county as I keep records of such things. I am also hoping you can send additional images of the final instar and pupa so that I can post them as well as this image, credited to you, on Lintneria separatus page??"

Barbara responded, "My community is Portal, AZ., in Cochise County. I added Monarda and Salvia greggi. The Salvia is being eaten. Great sites you have. I will try to get him to and through pupa stage. You have my permission to post photo."

I am very hopeful that Barbara will have success.

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