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Inspired/dedicated as per personal communication with Kathleen Hartman (July 27, 2010); July 30, 2010 Updated as per Butterflies and Moths of North America, formerly USGS, July 30, 2010 Updated as per James P. Tuttle's The Hawk Moths of North America, July 30, 2010 Updated as per Richard James image, via Jennifer Carlson (Hyles lineata, Simi Hills, May 12, 2012); May 13, 2012 |
This page is inspired by and dedicated to Kathleen and David Hartman who took the photos of
Eumorpha achemon, top and bottom of this page.
Kathleen sent me the digital images and writes, "These photos were taken by Kathleen & David Hartman, and you are
welcome to use them on your site if you like. I do have a question
about all of the colors. I don't understand. Are they all different
color varieties because of the molting process depending how much
time it's been since the last molt? We have all colors on one vine
and seemingly all colors in all sizes. Our vine is quickly being
defoliated and I believe the hornworms are now tasting the fruit as
well. I'd like to control the hornworms (organically if possible)
before my grapes and my vine are destroyed. Will parasitic brachonid
wasps latch onto this type of hornworm?
Thank you for all of the information provided on your site."
I replied, "This species just has a number of colour variations which can occur, all from the original same female moth. The colours have nothing to do with the stage.
"They are attacked by many parasites and predators, but they can also become pests. In some cases it may come down to it's either the caterpillars or the food plant, so you have to decide. You can get an organic spray called Bt for Bacillus thuringiensis which should do them in."
For care of "found larvae/caterpillars" visit Manduca sexta larva, central Texas, August 21, 2008, Trina Woodall.
It is hoped that this checklist, with the thumbnails and notes, will help you quickly identify the Sphingidae larvae you have encountered.
A WO" after the species name indicates that I have no confirmed reports of this species in Ventura County, but I (William Oehlke) expect that this moth is present.
A USGS indicates the moth is reported on the USGS website (now BAMONA and/or in Moths of Western North America, #2. Distribution of Sphingidae of Western North America, revised, an excellent little booklet available through Paul Opler.
Please also forward your sightings to BAMONA.
Please help me develop this list with improved, documented accuracy by sending sightings (species, date, location), preferably with an image, via email to Bill Oehlke.
Sphinginae subfamily
Smerinthini Tribe:
Macroglossinae subfamilyDilophonotini Tribe:
Philampelini Tribe:
Macroglossini Tribe:
Hyles lineata, third or fourth instar, on Mirabilis species ('wishbone' or 'four o'clock' type) plant,
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Enjoy some of nature's wonderments, giant silk moth cocoons. These cocoons are for sale winter and fall. Beautiful Saturniidae moths will emerge the following spring and summer. Read Actias luna rearing article. Additional online help available.
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This page is brought to you by Bill Oehlke and the WLSS. Pages are on space rented from Bizland. If you would like to become a "Patron of the Sphingidae Site", contact Bill.
Please send sightings/images to Bill. I will do my best to respond to requests for identification help.
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