Lapara phaeobrachycerous, the Gulf Pine Sphinx
Lapara phaeobrachycerous
luh-PAHR-uhmm
fee-oh-bra-KIH-ser-uhs
Gulf Pine Sphinx
Vernon A. Brou, 1994
Lapara phaeobrachycerous male courtesy of Vernon Brou.
This site has been created by
Bill Oehlke at oehlkew@islandtelecom.com
Comments, suggestions and/or additional information are welcomed by Bill.
TAXONOMY:
Family: Sphingidae Latreille, [1802]
Subfamily: Sphinginae Latreille [1802]
Tribe: Sphingini Latreille, [1802]
Genus: Lapara Walker, 1856
Species: phaeobrachycerous Brou, 1994
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DISTRIBUTION:
Lapara phaeobrachycerous, the Gulf Pine Sphinx
(Wing span: 2 1/2 - 3 1/16 inches (6.4 - 7.8 cm)), females are larger than males), ranges through pine forests
in Mississippi and eastern Louisiana.
The upperside of the forewing is charcoal gray to brownish gray with white scales along the curving postmedial line
and a prominent black dash (sometimes two) near the center of the wing. The upperside of the hindwing is uniform
charcoal gray to brownish gray with no white scales or markings.
FLIGHT TIMES:
Lapara phaeobrachycerous moths have several broods throughout the
year from April-October in Louisiana (five broods annually, courtesy of V. A. Brou).
ECLOSION:
Little is known about the eclosions of the earth pupators, but
many believe pupae wiggle toward the surface just prior to emergence.
SCENTING AND MATING
Female Lapara phaeobrachycerous extend a scent gland from the posterior of
the abdomen to lure in the night flying males.
Lapara phaeobrachycerous female courtesy of Vernon Brou.
EGGS, LARVAE, PUPAE:
Lapara phaeobrachycerous eggs are a translucent pale green and incubation
lasts 8-10 days at constant temp of 68-72 F.
Larvae probably feed upon various pine species, including loblolly pine
(Pinus taeda) and longleaf pine (Pinus pinaster).
Lapara phaeobrachycerous fifth instar, Abita Springs, St. Tammany Parish, Louisiana,
courtesy of James Tuttle.
Larvae will likely pupate under paper towels (no soil medium needed) in a dark bucket.
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