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Hummingbird Moths, Sphinx Moths or Hawk MothsI was wondering what this moth is – basking in the heat
Living in Southern California in 100 degree+ heat brings out the oddest creatures. This moth is was baskiing in the sun atop our patio cover but has now flown. As you can see it is a significant size. It is over 2" from head to toe and has 5" wingspan when resting. It is the size of a small sparrow.
Regards
Malcolm Carter
Menifee, CA
Hi Malcolm,
Both your moth and the Modest Sphinx are referred to commonly as the Big Poplar Sphinx. Some authors consider your moth, the western species, to be a subspecies of the other. Other authors consider them to be separate species. Here is as site that names your moth Pachysphinx occidentalis.
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