Other Common Names
Bloodshot-eyed Moth
Heiligbrodt's Mesquite Moth
Synonyms and other taxonomic changes
Sphingicampa heiligbrodti
Identification
Adult moth is paler than the very similar S. hubbardi. Most easily separated by distribution, with S. heiligbrodti found mostly in south and central Texas, and S. hubbardi mostly from west Texas through Arizona. The two species do overlap in the Del Rio vicinity.
Caterpillar has a larger number of silvery plates on its back than larvae of most other members of this genus, but probably cannot be separated from S. hubbardi in areas where the two species overlap.
Range
In United States: central Texas south through Lower Rio grande Valley
Food
Primarily Honey Mesquite (Prosopis glandulosa), though may take other species of mesquite, acacia, and related leguminous trees
Print References
Tuskes, pp. 86-87, plate 11--adult, plate 2--larva, map 8
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