Sphinx - Syssphinx hubbardi

Sphinx is not the right family

but Citheronia is in the right family, Saturniidae. But we would think it's the wrong genus. More likely Sphingicampa. We're not sure how to choose among the species in that genus. See if you can choose between hubbardi and raspa. They all seem to feed on members of the pea family.

… john and jane balaban, 14 October, 2006 - 3:16pm

Guess I'd

have to go with Hubbardi. The lateral "silvers" are flattened in hubbardi (as with my specimen) while raspa's are more cylindrical, but then you know how much I know about IDing moths and c-pillars! Thanks for the help.

… Bob Beatson, 14 October, 2006 - 3:29pm

Thanks

for the information. Your comment proves I've learned just enough about moths and c-pillars to be dangerous - hoping the next step is clarity!

… Bob Beatson, 14 October, 2006 - 3:22pm

We have them in the guide under

Syssphinx, but no gorgeous images such as these yet! We're leaning towards S. hubbardi. And you?

… john and jane balaban, 14 October, 2006 - 3:23pm

Just

visited Walsh's website and looked at both larvae of both species. Looks like hubbardi to me - did you get the images from Walsh's website, they look similar. My pickup sits under a small mesquite tree next to the house. Knowing that's one of their foodplants I'm going out right now and see if I can find any of its siblings!

… Bob Beatson, 14 October, 2006 - 3:38pm