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Elegant sphinx

Elegant sphinx

Sphinx perelegans

A species of Sphinx

The wingspan is 10 - 11 cm.

General Info About Elegant sphinx
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Attributes of Elegant sphinx
Colors
Brown
Black
Gray
Habitat
woodland; mountain
Defensive attack
Not reported
Venomous
Not reported
Non-poisonous
The Elegant sphinx is non-toxic and generally doesn't pose a risk to human health. No need for excessive worry.
Borer
Not reported
Pollinator
The Elegant sphinx is often found near the corolla, where its fluffy hairs easily pick up pollen, assisting in the pollination of the plant.
Pest-Eating Predatory
Not reported
Phytophagous
The Elegant sphinx feeds on plants, usually without causing significant harm. However, it's important to take the situation seriously if their numbers begin to increase significantly.
Predatory
Not reported
Biting animal or pet
Not reported
Mouthparts Type
Siphoning mouthparts
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Species Status of Elegant sphinx
It is native to western North America from British Columbia to Baja California and to New Mexico.
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Distribution Area of Elegant sphinx
Western North America
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Life Cycle of Elegant sphinx
Egg The elegant sphinx begins as an egg, often laid on the underside of leaves. The eggs are small and may vary in color, but are typically inconspicuous to avoid predation. The embryonic elegant sphinx develops inside until it's time to hatch.
Larva After hatching, the larva of the elegant sphinx emerges. It's a caterpillar with a body consisting of multiple segments, chewing mouthparts, and a voracious appetite. Its color and patterns help with camouflage or warning predators.
Pupal Once the elegant sphinx reaches a certain size, it enters the pupal phase, encapsulating itself in a chrysalis. Within this protective case, the elegant sphinx undergoes a remarkable transformation, rearranging its body structure entirely.
Adult Emerging from the pupa, the adult elegant sphinx displays vibrant colors and distinct wing patterns characteristic of its species. It no longer eats like the larva, instead focusing on reproduction. The adult seeks mates to continue the species' life cycle.
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Adult Size of Elegant sphinx
10 - 11 cm
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Predators of Elegant sphinx Larvae
Birds, rodents, wasps, ants, spiders
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Predators of Adult Elegant sphinx
Bats, birds, spiders, praying mantises
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Scientific Classification of Elegant sphinx
Tips for Finding Elegant sphinx
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Youth Habitat of Elegant sphinx
Forests and Woodlands, Grasslands and Prairies, Urban and Suburban Areas, Agricultural and Cultivated Areas
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Adult Habitat of Elegant sphinx
Forests and Woodlands, Grasslands and Prairies, Urban and Suburban Areas, Agricultural and Cultivated Areas, Floral-rich Areas
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How Can You Attract Elegant sphinx
Elegant sphinx can be attracted using bait such as sweet substances or feed specific to their dietary preferences during the adult stage, while caterpillars might be found on their host plants.
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Habitat Preferences of Elegant sphinx Through Different Life Stages
Eggs of elegant sphinx are typically found on the underside of leaves of host plants, often hidden to avoid predation. Caterpillars of elegant sphinx favor the foliage, where they feed and undergo several instars, visibly consuming leaves and growing in size. Pupae usually reside underground or in loose soil, camouflaged and waiting to metamorphose. Finally, the adults, being nocturnal, are most commonly spotted around lights at night or feeding on nectar from flowers of preferred plants. To find these stages, carefully inspect host plant leaves for eggs, search for caterpillars on the stems and leaves, delicately dig around the base of plants to find pupae, and observe flowers or light sources after dark for adults.
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When is the Best Time to Observe Elegant sphinx
Adult elegant sphinx are best found at night as they are generally nocturnal, but searching for caterpillars might be more successful during the daytime when they are active on their host plants.
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What is the Best Weather to Observe Elegant sphinx
Mild weather conditions without extreme heat or cold are suitable for finding elegant sphinx. Overcast conditions may be preferred as intense sunlight might discourage activity.
Are Elegant sphinx harmful?
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Beneficial Effects of Elegant sphinx
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Explore how insects help as pollinators, pest predators, and biocontrol agents. From seed dispersal to decomposition, they play vital roles in our ecosystem.
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Pollinator
Pollinator
Attract Plant Feature
Color, Smell, Shape
Pollination Behavior Reason
Eat Pollen Or Nectar, Accidental Contamination While Feeding On Nectar
Elegant sphinx hovers like a hummingbird while feeding on nectar and inadvertently picks up pollen on its body. Attracted by vibrant colors and sweet fragrances, it transfers the pollen as it travels from flower to flower, playing a key role in the pollination of various plants, particularly those with tubular shapes.
Common Questions People Also Ask
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