We received quite a few submissions of the large sphinx moths over the summer, but this is the first representative of the next generation. Reportedly, this is one of the most common and widespread moths in the Pacific Northwest. Kayla discovered the caterpillar while digging in a garden bed, which leads us to believe it was in the process of pupating in the soil, where it would overwinter. Before burrowing down it fattened up on plants in the willow family, including willows, cottonwoods, and quaking aspen. Adults emerge in mid to late June and do not feed. This species occurs in forest and riparian habitats across the west, from southern British Columbia and southern Alberta south to near the border with Mexico.
Size: Adult forewing length 34–47 mm
Photo by: Kayla Coker on 8/30/21 in Kalispell, MT