Pacific Green Sphinx
Common NamePacific Green Sphinx
Scientific NameSphingulus mus
FamilySphingidae
SubfamilySmerinthinae
Wingspan (mm)65
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorsgreen, brown, purple
HabitatConiferous forests, woodlands
Geographic RangeWestern North America (Pacific Northwest, including British Columbia, Washington, Oregon, northern California, Idaho, Montana)
Host PlantsDouglas-fir, fir species, spruce species
Flight PeriodMay to July
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are green with white stripes and feed on the needles of various conifers. They pupate in the soil at the base of host trees.
Identification TipsDistinguished by its unique cryptic pattern of green patches outlined by purplish-brown on the forewings, resembling lichen. It has a stout body typical of sphinx moths.
Description
A robust moth with forewings intricately patterned in mottled shades of green and purplish-brown, providing excellent camouflage against lichen-covered tree bark.
