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Insects and other arthropods

Modest sphinx moths

English
Pachysphinx modesta

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Description

These are large moths, with a wingspan of 9 to 14 cm. The forewings are marked with bands alternating between grey and brown. The hindwings are reddish, and bluish-grey at the base.

Mature female caterpillars can reach 9 cm. Male caterpillars are generally shorter (7.5 cm).

Life cycle

The caterpillar forms a chrysalis in late summer, and spends almost one year in a shallow burrow at the foot of the host tree. There is one generation per year.

Geographic distribution

These moths are found from one coast to the other in southern Canada. They also live in much of the United States.

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