HomeSpecies Detail
Pine hawkmoth
Sphinx pinastri Linnaeus, 1758
Attributes of Sphinx pinastriFamily: Sphinx Moths, Hawkmoths (Sphingidae) Subfamily: Sphinginae (Sphinginae) Identification: Forewings are gray with a gray-brown overlay, black dashes near the center of the wing, and dark brown at the base of the inner margin. Hindwing is gray-brown with pale gray along the costal margin; and darker than the forewing. Life history: Adults rest on pine tree trunks during the day. Females lay eggs in groups of 2 or 3 along pine or spruce needles. Caterpillars feed on the needles; when fully-grown they pupate and overwinter under leaf litter or in shallow burrows in the ground. Flight: . One flight from June-August. Wing span: 2 3/4 - 3 1/2 inches (7 - 9 cm). Caterpillar hosts: Various species of conifers, including Scotch pine (Pinus sylvestris); and spruce, including Norway spruce (Picea abies). Adult food: Nectar from flowers including honeysuckle. Habitat: Conifer forests. Range: An introduced exotic from Europe, the moth was last seen in Pennsylvania, but probably has since disappeared in North America. Conservation: Not required for an introduced species. NatureServe Global Status: G5 - Demonstrably secure globally, though it may be quite rare in parts of its range, especially at the periphery. Management needs: In Europe, the caterpillars can sometimes be pests in coniferous forests. | Documented Records for Sphinx pinastri
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