Southern Pine Hawkmoth
Common NameSouthern Pine Hawkmoth
Scientific NameLapara coniferarum
FamilySphingidae
SubfamilySphinginae
Wingspan (mm)70
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorsgray, black, brown
HabitatPine forests, mixed pine-hardwood forests, woodlands
Geographic RangeEastern North America, from southern Canada to Florida and west to Texas
Host PlantsPinus taeda, Pinus rigida, Pinus echinata, Pinus virginiana, Pinus strobus
Flight PeriodMay to September (two broods in southern regions)
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on pine needles. Larvae are green with white stripes, camouflaged among pine needles, and feed on the needles. Pupation occurs in a shallow chamber in the soil or leaf litter.
Identification TipsLook for its distinctive gray, bark-like forewing pattern with prominent black dashes. Its association with pine forests and lack of bright colors or prominent eyespots distinguish it from other hawkmoths.
Description
A medium-sized hawkmoth with cryptically patterned gray forewings marked with black dashes, resembling pine bark. Its body is stout and covered in dense, grayish-brown fur.
