Try for Free
tab list
Picture Insect
English
arrow
English
繁體中文
日本語
Español
Français
Deutsch
Pусский
Português
Italiano
한국어
Nederlands
العربية
Home Application Download FAQ
English
English
繁體中文
日本語
Español
Français
Deutsch
Pусский
Português
Italiano
한국어
Nederlands
العربية
Icon about
About
Icon about
General Info
Icon about
Search Tips
Icon about
Harmful or Not
Icon about
Beneficial Effects
Icon about
Common FAQs
Icon about
Similar Insects
Icon about
Popular Insects
Vashti sphinx

Vashti sphinx

Sphinx vashti

A species of Sphinx, Also known as Snowberry sphinx

Sphinx vashti, the Vashti sphinx, is a member of the family Sphingidae of moths. It is found in North America from British Columbia east to Manitoba, south to southern California, Nevada, central Arizona, New Mexico and western Texas. The pattern and wing length are highly variable. The forewing ranges from pale to very dark gray with paler gray at the base of the costa, the wing tip, and on the outer margin. A series of black dashes ends with the topmost one reaching the wing tip. The hindwing is black with white bands. There is one brood per year. The larva feed on snowberry (Symphoricarpos albus) and coralberry (Symphoricarpos orbiculatus)

General Info About Vashti sphinx
Instantly identify insects with a snap
Snap a photo for instant insect ID and risk assessment, gaining quick insights on bite assessment, toxicity, pest control, behavior, habitat, and safe interaction tips, etc.
Download the App for Free
Rectangle
Attributes of Vashti sphinx
Colors
Black
Gray
White
Habitat
montane woodland; prairie stream course
Adult Food Sources
Flower nectar from plants like honeysuckle (lonicera spp.), nectar from various native flowering plants, nectar from garden flowers like petunias (petunia spp.), nectar from butterfly bush (buddleja spp.), nectar from phlox (phlox spp.)
Larva Food Source
Willow leaves (salix spp.), poplar leaves (populus spp.), cottonwood leaves (populus deltoides)
Biting/stinging
Not reported
Allergy-causing
Not reported
Defensive attack
Not reported
Pest-Eating Predatory
Not reported
Phytophagous
The Vashti 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
qrcode
Img download isoImg download android
Rectangle
Species Status of Vashti sphinx
Common
Rectangle
Distribution Area of Vashti sphinx
North America
Rectangle
Life Cycle of Vashti sphinx
Egg The egg of vashti sphinx is usually laid on host plants. It's a tiny, spherical or ovate form, often with distinguishable sculpturing on the surface. Eggs are the phase where the future larvae remain until they hatch and are generally immobile.
Larva The larva of vashti sphinx is a caterpillar which undergoes several molts. With each molt, it increases in size and may change color. Larvae are voracious feeders and have chewing mouthparts adapted for foliage consumption. They feature distinctively patterned and often colorful bodies.
Pupal During this stage, vashti sphinx transforms within a chrysalis. It's a resting phase where the insect is immobile and undergoes significant transformation. The body transitions from larval features to an adult form, with internal reorganization for future life.
Adult Emerging from the pupa, the adult vashti sphinx's development is marked by the presence of wings and functional reproductive organs. The body is fully formed and hardened, and the adult is mobile, focusing on reproduction. They often exhibit bright colors and distinct patterns.
Rectangle
Interesting Facts About Vashti sphinx
Members of vashti sphinx can hover mid-air while siphoning nectar, a behavior akin to hummingbirds and a rare talent among moths.
Rectangle
Scientific Classification of Vashti sphinx
Tips for Finding Vashti sphinx
Your ultimate guide to understanding insects
Unlock the secrets of insect life cycles, habitats, behaviors and observation tips!!
Download the App for Free
Rectangle
Youth Habitat of Vashti sphinx
Forests and Woodlands, Grasslands and Prairies
Rectangle
Adult Habitat of Vashti sphinx
Forests and Woodlands, Grasslands and Prairies, Urban and Suburban Areas, Agricultural and Cultivated Areas
Rectangle
How Can You Attract Vashti sphinx
Adults of vashti sphinx are attracted to nectar-producing flowers, so traps equipped with sweet scents or artificial nectar could be used to lure them for observation or capture.
Rectangle
What is the Best Weather to Observe Vashti sphinx
Warm and dry nights are preferred for finding adult vashti sphinx as they tend to be more active in such conditions. For finding caterpillars and pupae, weather conditions are less critical, although they may be more visible on warm, sunny days.
Rectangle
How and Where Can You Find Vashti sphinx at Different Life Stages
Egg Vashti sphinx eggs are typically laid on the underside of host plant leaves. To find them, closely inspect both sides of leaves of known host plants in the area where vashti sphinx is expected to be found.
Larva Vashti sphinx caterpillars are large and can often be found on or near their host plants, feeding. Search for them by carefully examining the host plant leaves for signs of chewing and for the caterpillars themselves.
Pupal Vashti sphinx pupae usually pupate in the soil or in leaf litter near the host plants. To find them, gently sift through the top layer of soil or leaf litter at the base of host plants.
Adult Adult vashti sphinx can be observed feeding on nectar from flowers or attracted to light sources. Look for them at dusk or night around gardens with flowering plants or near bright lights.
Are Vashti sphinx harmful?
Your Complete Pest Control Guide
Discover effective tips for preventing and eliminating pest infestations to keep bugs away from your home.
Download the App for Free
Beneficial Effects of Vashti sphinx
Discover the hidden benefits of insects
Explore how insects help as pollinators, pest predators, and biocontrol agents. From seed dispersal to decomposition, they play vital roles in our ecosystem.
Download the App for Free
Pollinator
Pollinator
Attract Plant Feature
Color, Shape
Vashti sphinx is an active pollinator that visits various flowers, primarily attracted by their vivid colors and unique shapes. While feeding on the nectar, vashti sphinx inadvertently collects pollen on its body which is then transferred to other flowers, aiding in their reproduction.
Common Questions People Also Ask
Get Quick Insect Answers with a Snap
Snap a photo for instant insect ID and answers on bites, toxicity, pest control, behavior, habitat, and safety tips!
Download the App for Free
More Insects that are Similar to Vashti sphinx
Titan sphinx
Titan sphinx

The wingspan is 6 - 7 cm . The body is dark brown with a wide white stripe across the abdomen. The wings are dark brown and the upperside of the forewing has a black spot at the end of the cell and two bands of translucent white spots. The upperside of the hindwing has pale patches along the costa and inner margin.

Read More
Arrow
Mango hawkmoth
Mango hawkmoth

The wingspan is 13 - 17 cm .

Read More
Arrow
Elibia dolichus
Elibia dolichus

Elibia dolichus is a moth of the family Sphingidae first described by John O. Westwood in 1847. It is found in Nepal, north-eastern India, Bangladesh, Thailand, southern China, Malaysia (Peninsular, Sarawak, Sabah), Indonesia (Sumatra, Kalimantan, Java) to the Philippines (Palawan Island).

Read More
Arrow
Mournful sphinx
Mournful sphinx

The mournful sphinx (Enyo lugubris) most likely gets its name from the somber colors that make us think of a desert environment, with deep, dark browns. Other people think that it may be related to its droopy posture, but this is just speculation. The insect is also attracted to lights, meaning it flies and is difficult to spot during the nighttime.

Read More
Arrow
Southern pine sphinx
Southern pine sphinx

The wingspan is 50–57 mm. The forewing is grey with two or three black stripes in the middle of the wing. Other marking are vague.

Read More
Arrow
Northern pine sphinx
Northern pine sphinx

The wingspan is 45–60 mm.

Read More
Arrow
Tetrio sphinx
Tetrio sphinx

The distinct larva of tetrio sphinx is recognizable by its rugged, yellow and black striped body with a red posterior horn, while the adult transitions into a creature with shades of grey, brown, and black veiled wings. Indigenous to tropical climates, this species primarily feeds on the leaves of Apocynaceae family plants during its larval stage, and as an adult, it exhibits a promiscuous pollen-transfer behavior, which contributes to plant biodiversity by pollinating a variety of tropical flora.

Read More
Arrow
Cerberonoton rubescens
Cerberonoton rubescens

Read More
Arrow
Other Popular Insects
Western honey bee
Western honey bee

Western honey bee(Apis mellifera) is the most common species of honeybee in the world. Among the first domesticated insects, its cultural and economic impact on humanity has been vast and far-reaching, providing honey, wax and its services as a pollinator. Western honey bee faces challenges worldwide, such as colony collapse disorder, and populations are thought to be decreasing.

Read More
Arrow
Monarch butterfly
Monarch butterfly

The monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus) is the most recognizable butterfly in North America. It is best known for its appearance, but should be better known for the fact that it has a 3000-mile migration that takes the butterfly 4 generations to complete. Their diet is also a natural deterrent for predators, as they eat milkweed, a poison that induces vomiting.

Read More
Arrow
Japanese rhinoceros beetle
Japanese rhinoceros beetle

The japanese rhinoceros beetle (Trypoxylus dichotomus) is a massive beetle about the size of the palm of a hand. It's distinguished by its long Y-shaped horn, which it uses to fight other males with. It's a nocturnal bug that feeds on sap and sweet fruits. This species is sometimes kept as a pet due to its unique appearance and simple care requirements.

Read More
Arrow
Silkworm
Silkworm

The silken threads produced by silkworm during its larval stage have been highly coveted for millennia, manifesting as a luxurious fabric in human society. Remarkably, this creature has a singular diet, feeding exclusively on the leaves of its primary host plant from which it extracts the necessary nutrients to facilitate its transition into a non-feeding, winged adult.

Read More
Arrow
Menelaus blue morpho
Menelaus blue morpho

Menelaus blue morpho (Morpho menelaus) is a gorgeous butterfly with large, royal blue wings. Linnaeus named the genus Morpho the Aphrodite-Ancient Greek goddess of love and beauty for its extreme beauty. It is native to tropical rainforests. Though many butterfly gardens now cultivate them in captivity, there are still many people who never get a chance to see them.

Read More
Arrow
Atlas moth
Atlas moth

While the atlas moth (Attacus atlas) can't tell you where to find your country on the map, it does earn its name through other means. It is one of the largest moths in the world, with a wingspan that is far larger than its body, creating an abnormal comparison. In India, their silk is gathered in a non-commercial capacity and is considered to be more durable than the domestic silkworm.

Read More
Arrow
Flying peacock spider
Flying peacock spider

Both sexes reach about 5 mm in body length. Females and immatures of both sexes are brown but have color patterns by which they can be distinguished from related species. Also, the males dance to attract females.

Read More
Arrow
Multicolored asian ladybeetle
Multicolored asian ladybeetle

Often confused for the ladybug, multicolored asian ladybeetle (Harmonia axyridis) is a separate species that, unlike the ladybug, is a household pest. It is considered particularly annoying for its habit of returning to places from which it is removed. One of the most variable species in the world, there are many different colors and patterns multicolored asian ladybeetle may display, making identification potentially difficult.

Read More
Arrow