Sphinx vashti
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Sphinx vashti |
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| Strecker , 1878 |
Sphinx Vashti is a butterfly ( moth ) from the family of moth (Sphingidae). Due to the variability of the species, it was first described several times under different names, which is why there are many synonyms.
features
The moths have a fore wing length of 30 to 41 millimeters. The wings have a pale gray to almost black basic color. On the top of the forewing there is a narrow, black subterminal line, which is bordered on the outside by a white "V" -shaped line. A black line runs inward from the wing tip. Several black lines run along the wing veins and there are two black lines in the middle of the wing. The amount of white on the basal part of the costal edge and on the outside of the black subterminal line on the forewing is quite variable. The color of the thorax ranges from black outer edges to almost completely black. The abdomen is pale gray to black in color and has five light-colored, dorsoventral bands. The species can be confused with Sphinx perelegans . However, Sphinx vashti is usually a bit smaller. In addition, the subterminal line is clearly visible in this type and runs straight. In the similar species, it is indistinct and wavy. Both species have a white fringed hind wing outer edge, but the similar species is piebald. The marginal area of the hind wings of Sphinx vashti is provided with a gray-white, flowing band, which is almost completely black in the similar species.
The caterpillars are matt whitish-green in color and have seven pairs of fine, sloping, white side stripes, which are very finely bordered black towards the back. The anal horn is usually the same color as the body, but has a darker tip. The stigmas vary from orange to light brown. The animals have slightly raised, granular yellow lines between the thorax segments and the thorax and abdomen. The caterpillars can be easily distinguished from the other species of the genus on the basis of these described characteristics.
The doll is mahogany brown. It has an exposed, short proboscis sheath that is slightly curved. It looks like that of Sphinx asellus . The rather short cremaster is broad at the base and ends in a double point.
Occurrence
The species is found across much of the western United States . Sometimes it occurs only locally with isolated populations, in other places Sphinx vashti can be very common. The southern distribution extends from southern California east to southern Missouri. A record of the species in Texas is probably a false report. In the north, the distribution extends in the east to the south of British Columbia, over the south of the Prairie States over large parts of Minnesota in the extreme southeast of Wisconsin.
Sphinx vashti is widespread, which is why it is difficult to assign it to specific habitats. The species colonizes habitats from montane areas over dry slopes to wetlands in the lowlands.
Way of life
The moths often fly to light sources at night. There is little evidence of the species on nectar blossoms, but it has been documented on honeysuckles ( Lonicera ) and columbines ( Aquilegia ).
Flight and caterpillar times
The moths fly in one generation from late May to early July, with the maximum in June and July. In the southern part of the distribution area, e.g. B. in Oklahoma, the species flies from mid-April to early May.
Food of the caterpillars
The caterpillars feed on common snowberries ( Symphoricarpos albus ) and Symphoricarpos orbiculatus .
development
The laying of eggs is only documented for captured animals, which lay the eggs one by one. The young caterpillars rest on the underside of the leaf on the midrib. Older caterpillars are diurnal and eat openly near the end of a branch, but often retreat into the interior of the plants when they are resting. Pupation takes place in a chamber in the ground.
supporting documents
Individual evidence
- ↑ a b c d e f g h i j k l James P. Tuttle: The Hawkmoths of North America, A Natural History Study of the Sphingidae of the United States and Canada. The Wedge Entomological Research Foundation, Washington, DC 2007, ISBN 978-0-9796633-0-7 .
- ↑ a b Sphingidae of the Americas. Bill Oehlke, accessed December 29, 2011 .
literature
- James P. Tuttle: The Hawkmoths of North America, A Natural History Study of the Sphingidae of the United States and Canada. The Wedge Entomological Research Foundation, Washington, DC 2007, ISBN 978-0-9796633-0-7 .
