Macromoths of Northwest Forests and Woodlands
Pachysphinx modesta [Sphingidae]
Wingspan 14.1 cm. Forewing is pale gray with a dark gray median band and the outer margin scalloped; hindwing is rose-red with a black and gray anal bar or patch. This sphingid is most often found in riparian forests at higher elevations in the mountains and is widely distributed in western North America. Moths fly in late spring and early summer. Caterpillars feed on the foliage of willow (Salix) and poplar (Populus).
Similar species: Pachysphinx occidentalis forewing is pale yellow or gray, hindwing with a narrow black anal bar, occurs in riparian habitats in low elevation desert regions of western North America; species of Paonias and Smerinthus hindwing with a round black anal spot.
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