Pachysphinx: Combination of the Greek word pachy meaning “thick” and sphinx which means “to draw tight.” Both words refernce traits of the caterpillar. The thick terminal stripe on the caterpillar is likely the origin of the use of the word pachy. Sphinx is a typical name given to this group of moths because the caterpillar resembled an Egyptian Sphinx, especially in a defense posture.
Modesta: The feminine version of the Latin word modestus, which refers to the darker tone of the bottom of the wings which seemed to cloak the moth in a modest shawl or covering.
PACK-ee-sfinks Mow-dest-uh
Big Poplar Sphinx
This map shows the confirmed sightings of the Modest Sphinx moth in Indiana. All sightings were confirmed through photographic documentation by individuals who contributed to the Great American IN Nature Lepidoptera Project (GAIN LP).
GAIN LP documented in county. |
After eating the leaf it is hosting on, the Modest Sphinx caterpillar will chew through the petiole of the leaf in order to make it fall to the ground. By discarding damaged leaves they can avoid tipping off predators that look for chewed leaves in order to find caterpillars.
Modest Sphinx caterpillars host on a small variety of trees. Adults do not feed.
Known Larval Food Sources in Indiana | ||
Family | Taxonomic Name | Common Name |
---|---|---|
Order: Fagales | ||
Betulaceae | Betula spp. | birches |
Order: Rosales | ||
Rosaceae | Malus spp. | apples and crabapples |
Order: Salicales | ||
Salicaceae | Populus spp. | poplars |
Salix spp. | willows |