Pine hawk-moth

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Sphinx pinastri
Scientific classification
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Binomial name
Sphinx pinastri

The pine hawk-moth (Sphinx pinastri) is a moth of the family Sphingidae. It is found in Palearctic ecozone and sometimes the Nearctic ecozone. This species has been found in Scotland but is usually found in England.[1] It is amongst the most common moths in many parts of Europe and the Middle East.

The larvae feed on Scots pine, Swiss pine, Siberian pine and Norway spruce.

Sphinx pinastri's wings are gray with black dashes. The wingspan is 2 3/4 - 3 1/2 inches (7–9 cm).[2] The moth flies from April to August depending on the location.

The back of the thorax is grey with two dark bands around both sides.[3]

The females lay their eggs in groups of 2 or 3 along pine or spruce needles.[2]

References[change | change source]

  1. The Natural History of British Insects By Edward Donovan (accessed January 12, 2009)
  2. 2.0 2.1 Butterflies and Moths of North America Archived 2007-11-17 at the Wayback Machine (accessed January 12, 2009)
  3. The Naturalist's Library edited by William Jardine (accessed January 12, 2009)