Plants
used by the Larva of the White-Lined Sphinx Moth
In these pictures (below and above) a
White-Lined Sphinx moth larva is feeding on California fuchsias,
Zauschineria
California. This a a beautiful plant that grows in
seasonal creaks and rock faces with available moisture. It can
tolerate garden water but also be very drought tolerant. It is
also very popular with hummingbirds as well as butterflies.
The white lined sphinx larva also feeds on
Oenothera spp. below is a picture of an Evening Primrose,
Oenothera
hookeri. Adult moths also get nectar from them. This
particular species is quite tall, it can reach 6 foot. The
flowers are around two inches in diameter and only open at night.
It is very popular with moths.
Amazingly
these two flowers,the California fuchsia and the Evening
primrose, are in the same family, the Onegraceae family
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Plants used as nectar sources by the Adult
White-Lined Sphinx Moth
The adult White-Lined Sphinx moth feeds on
lots of flowers. Some of it's favorites are Sages, and Evening
Primrose. Sages, Salvia spp. are very popular with
butterflies, moths, and hummingbirds.
In
the above picture a White-Lined Sphinx moth begins to extend it's
proboscis as it approaches it's target, a Salvia
brandegii flower. This sage forms a nicely rounded shrub
that is covered with deep blue flower throughout the spring and
summer.
In the picture below the White-Lined Sphinx
moth finally became camera shy and is zooming off.
The
White-Lined Sphinx moth also likes this
Desert Bluebell, Phacelia campanularia . It came to
visit it repeatedly in our Escondido demonstration garden.
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