Incense Cedar Sphinx
Common NameIncense Cedar Sphinx
Scientific NameSphinx praelongus
FamilySphingidae
SubfamilySphinginae
Wingspan (mm)80
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorsgrey, brown, white
HabitatConiferous forests, woodlands, and areas with Incense Cedar
Geographic RangeWestern North America (British Columbia south through Washington, Oregon, California, Nevada, Arizona)
Host PlantsCalocedrus decurrens, Abies, Picea
Flight PeriodJune to September
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid on host plants. Larvae are typically green with white stripes and a caudal horn, feeding on conifer needles before pupating in the soil.
Identification TipsKey features include its overall grey-brown cryptic pattern, a pale median band on the forewings, and its strong association with Incense Cedar as a host plant.
Description
This is a large, robust moth with a streamlined body and long, narrow forewings. Its coloration is a mottled pattern of various shades of grey and brown, providing excellent camouflage against tree bark.
