DISTRIBUTION:

Lapara bombycoides, the Northern Pine Sphinx ranges through southern portions of Canadian provinces from Saskatchewan to Prince Edward Island and is found in the eastern half of the U.S. except in the southern most states.

FLIGHT TIMES:

Male and female Lapara bombycoides moths come readily to lights from mid June to mid July in Canada.

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 bombycoides extend a scent gland from the posterior of the abdomen to lure in the night flying males.

Livestock of the Northern Pine Sphinx is usually available in the fall.

EGGS, LARVAE, PUPAE:

Lapara bombycoides eggs are a translucent pale green and incubation lasts 8-10 days at constant temp of 68-72 F.

Larvae are without the anal horn typical of most members of this family and they feed upon various pine species.

Larvae progress very rapidly in later instars and are very attractive and somehow remind me of Graellsia isabellae, a Saturnid pine feeder.

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Reurn to Saturniidae Index