Sphinx vashti
Sphinx vashti
Sphinx vashti is a butterfly (moth ) from the family of moth ( Sphingidae ). Due to the variability of the species was first described more than once under different names, so many synonyms exist.
- 5.1 Notes and references
- 5.2 Literature
Features
The moths have a forewing length of 30-41 millimeters. The wings have a pale gray to almost black color. On the front upper wing surface runs a narrow, black Subterminallinie which is bounded externally by a white "V" - shaped line. A black line extending from the blade tip towards the inside. Along the wing veins run several black lines and centered on the wing there are two black lines. The amount of white on the basal portion of the Costalrandes and outside of the black Subterminallinie on the forewing is quite variable. The coloration of the thorax ranges from black outer edges until almost completely black. The abdomen is pale gray to black and has five bright, dorsoventral binding. The species can be confused with Sphinx perelegans. Sphinx is vashti but usually somewhat smaller. In addition, the Subterminallinie is clearly visible in this kind and is straight. In like manner it is indistinct and wavy. Both species have a white fringed hind wings outer edge, but at the similar nature he is patched. The marginal area of the rear wing is provided with Sphinx vashti with a gray - white, flowing intertwining binding, which is almost completely black in similar style.
The caterpillars are colored dull whitish- green and have seven pairs of fine, oblique, white side stripes, which are down very finely edged black on the back. The Analhorn is usually same color as the body, but has a darker tip. The spiracles vary from orange to light brown. Between the thoracic segments and the thorax and abdomen, the animals have slightly raised, granular yellow lines. The caterpillars can be distinguished on the basis of this well- described features of the other species of the genus.
The doll is mahogany. It has an exposed, short proboscis sheath, which is slightly curved. She looks similar to the Sphinx of Asellus. The rather short cremaster is basally broad and ends in a double peak.
Occurrence
The species occurs throughout much of the western United States. It occurs sometimes only locally with isolated populations, not elsewhere Sphinx vashti in turn can be very common. The southern distribution extends from southern California east to southern Missouri. A proof of the kind in Texas is probably a false message. In the north, the spread in the east extends to the south-central British Columbia, about south of the Great Plains states over large parts of Minnesota in the extreme southeast Wisconsin.
Sphinx vashti is widespread, so an assignment to particular habitats is difficult. The species colonized habitats from montane areas on dry slopes to wetlands in the lowlands.
Way of life
The moths fly at night frequently to light sources. There is little evidence of the kind of nectar flowers, but it is on honeysuckle ( Lonicera ) and columbines (Aquilegia ) documented.
Flight times and caterpillars
The moths fly in one generation from late May to early July, with the maximum in June and July. In the southern part of the range, for example, in Oklahoma, flying the kind of mid-April to early May.
Food of the caterpillars
The caterpillars feed on Viburnum berry orbiculatus ( Symphoricarpos albus) and Symphoricarpos.
Development
Oviposition is documented only from captive animals who pass the eggs individually. The young caterpillars rest on the underside of leaves on the midrib. Older caterpillars are active during the day and eat open near the end of a branch, retire to rest but often inside the plant back. Pupation takes place in a chamber in the soil.