White-lined Sphinx

Class: Hexapoda (animals with six legs - includes all insects)
    lepido = scale and ptera = wings (singular is pteron)
    The wings are covered with small scales.
Order: Lepidoptera (butterflies and moths)
Family: Sphingidae (sphinx or hawk moths)
Species: Hyles lineata
Common Name: White-lined Sphinx
Date: 2001 June 14
Place: Guadalupe Mountains National Park
    Pine Springs Visitor Center (at lights)

Sphinx moths are sometimes called hummingbird moths because of their size - relatively large and heavy bodied, and mode of feeding - hovering. As such they mimic hummingbirds in appearance and behavior. In the pictures opposite, the White-lined Sphinx is seen with its proboscis partially extended prior to feeding and fully extended while feeding on blue flowers. The White-lined Sphinx is often seen flying during the daytime and is an important pollinator for many desert plants.

White-lined Sphinx       White-lined Sphinx

2001 September 03 flying close to Guadalupe Peak during the daytime

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Note: This is a personal web site and is not affiliated with the National Park Service or Guadalupe Mountains National Park. Contact information for the author, Ron Lyons, is accessible through the Index Page referenced below. Thank you.