Southern Pine Sphinx
Common NameSouthern Pine Sphinx
Scientific NameLapara coniferarum
FamilySphingidae
SubfamilySphinginae
Wingspan (mm)65
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorsgrey, brown, tan
HabitatConiferous forests, pine barrens, areas with pine trees
Geographic RangeEastern North America, from Nova Scotia south to Florida and west to Texas and Minnesota
Host PlantsPinus taeda, Pinus rigida, Pinus echinata, Pinus virginiana, Pinus strobus
Flight PeriodApril to October
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are green with white stripes, mimicking pine needles, and feed exclusively on various pine species. They pupate in the soil or leaf litter, and adults are nocturnal.
Identification TipsDistinguished by its overall greyish-brown cryptic pattern, the absence of prominent eyespots or bright colors, and the specific wavy dark lines on the forewings. It lacks the pinkish hindwings found in some related species.
Description
A medium-sized, robust moth with a cryptic grey and brown pattern on its forewings, providing excellent camouflage against tree bark. Its stout body is covered in dense, greyish-brown scales.
