As an avid nature-lover, it always surprises me when I am making an observation of an animal only to find out that it is in actuality something totally different. However, I am not too embarrassed to admit this has happened a few times when I have been watching what I thought to be a hummingbird was in fact, a large species of nectar- feeding moth. This species has fooled many folks though; so much so that it is often referred to as the “hummingbird moth”.
The White-lined Sphinx Moth ( Hyles lineata) is one of the larger and most commonly observed moths that inhabit Texas. It can be observed throughout the entire state as well as throughout the continental United States, southern Canada and northern Mexico. It thrives in areas with nectar-rich plants such as willows, mimosas, and four o’clocks. Due to the fact that many of these plants are utilized in landscaping projects, this moth species is often seen in close proximity to households.
The White-lined Sphinx Moth is a colorfully marked species that many people find quite attractive. The forewings are dark brown and have a light tan front edge as well as a wider tan stripe that runs diagonal from the body almost to the tip of the wing. The veins on the wing are highlighted with white, giving this species its common name. The hindwing has a bright pink stripe that is bordered by dark brown stripes on either side. The head and thorax are brown with a series of white lines while the abdomen is tan with a white stripe down the middle that separates a series of black dots. Adults of this species attain a maximum wingspan of just over 3 inches.
White-lined Sphinx Moths, like other butterfly and moth species, undergo a four-stage life cycle that can be described as nothing short of miraculous. In the beginning stage, their life begins as an egg, which hatches after a few short days into the next stage. Upon hatching, the larvae are known as caterpillars, and at this stage, the growth rate is highly accelerated.
Sphinx Moth caterpillars are typically limegreen and are adorned with a series of black-bordered yellow or orange dots on either side of the back. There is also a smaller row of black spots just above the legs as well as a pointed horn on the backside.
Caterpillars can eat twice their body weight in a single day, and as such, grow quickly. As they grow, they literally grow out of their skins, and they shed their outer layer of skin up to five times (known as molting) before they enter the next stage of their life cycle.
After the caterpillar finds a spot in which it feels is secure, typically underground in loose soil, it will pupate as it forms a protective shell about it known as a chrysalis. Inside of this shell, the larvae changes into the moth that it will soon become. After two or three weeks, the adult will emerge from this shell with its wings intact, although they are crumpled into small balls on the sides of the body. The moth will then pump a clear fluid into the veins of their wings, causing them to expand much the same way a stick can reinforce a kite.
Upon reaching maturity, the White-lined Sphinx Moth will immediately begin searching for food, water and a mate. After mating, the males will continue their search for other receptive females, while the females will begin to look for a site suitable to lay eggs so a brand-new life cycle can begin.
Looking for this species is not usually very difficult. It prefers to feed at dusk and dawn, but occasionally it will be active during the middle of the day. The adults are attracted to plants that bear nectar, so landscaping your yard with mimosa, willow, petunias and honeysuckle should bring this fabulous species to you.
