Subject: Found on tree
Geographic location of the bug: Southern Utah USA
Date: 11/22/2017
Time: 03:17 PM EDT
Found this on the tree in our yard. What is it?
How you want your letter signed: Brian Shepherd
Dear Brian,
This is a Rustic Sphinx, and because of its rumpled wings, it appears it has recently eclosed or emerged from the pupa. When its wings attain their full size and they harden and the moth will be able to fly. According to BugGuide, Caterpillars of the Rustic Sphinx feed on numerous plants, including the leaves of ash trees. Was it by chance found on the trunk of an ash tree? Just prior to pupation, the caterpillars bury themselves and they pupate underground.
Maybe this was in summertime… since it is unusual for this moth to eclose as late – at this latitude? It is also amazing to find this species in Your area!
Nice wishes,
Bostjan
Thanks for the comment Bostjan. BugGuide lists, and we frequently receive identification requests from Arizona, and the submission did indicate southern Utah. Another sign of global warming perhaps.