Sequoia Sphinx
Common NameSequoia Sphinx
Scientific NameSphinx sequoiae
FamilySphingidae
SubfamilySphinginae
Wingspan (mm)70
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorsbrown, gray
HabitatConiferous forests, woodlands, chaparral
Geographic RangeWestern North America (California, Oregon, Washington, Nevada, Arizona, Utah, Idaho, British Columbia)
Host PlantsJuniperus, Cupressus, Calocedrus, Sequoia sempervirens, Sequoiadendron giganteum
Flight PeriodMay to July
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are green with white stripes and feed on the needles of various coniferous trees. Pupation occurs in the soil.
Identification TipsDistinguished by its overall cryptic brown-gray coloration, lack of prominent markings, and its specific association with coniferous host plants in its western North American range.
Description
A medium-sized moth with a robust, hairy body and mottled brown and gray forewings, providing excellent camouflage against tree bark. The hindwings are typically darker and less patterned.
