Insects and Spiders - native

Southwestern Eyed Sphinx (Smerinthus ophthalmica) on Apr 28, 2024

Submitter does not have a specimen

Description of specimen

Big moth, black and whitish gray in color. Beautiful serrated wings.

Commentary

Thank you for your report! That is Smerinthus opthalmica, the Western eyed sphinx moth. They are beautiful. They're natives, not commonly seen because they are mostly nocturnal. Their caterpillars feed on the leaves of willows, poplars and cottonwoods; they don't do any damage. Nice photos.

Tom Valente
April 30, 2024, 6:21 a.m.