Pachysphinx modesta pupae: an incredible species
Pachysphinx modesta is a species that at these latitudes you do not usually hear much about, don’t you? Today, we will learn more about this incredible species and we will find out how to breed it correctly.
Pachysphinx modesta: an introduction
This species is well known throughout the United States, while here in Europe is still regarded as somewhat exotic. Why so?
Pachysphinx modesta, which is also known as modest sphinx or poplar sphinx, is in fact a typical specie from an area that ranges from the Southern United States up throughout Canada. The species was first described by Thaddeus William Harris in 1839, in one of his known publications.
As usual, temperatures give different outcomes to how the species breeds: in fact, in the colder areas of Canada, adults are on wing from the first half of June to the second of July. On the other hand, the farther one goes south, the more it is probable that up to two generations a year could happen. This is known for example for the Mississippi area.
Regarding the different appearances larvae are peculiar in shape and color. Usually green is the most preeminent color, with a blue shadow in it, which is more evident up to the L5 state. Red spiracles are also present, while up to six white stripes on the abdominal are visible. The presence and prominence of the horn is a matter of division into specie and subspecies.
The larvae usually feed on different tree, being poplar, willow and cottonwood the most popular. A good amount of research has in fact shown how Salicaceae and Betulaceae are the preferred tree host families for this species.
As an adult, Pachysphinx modesta becomes a large and heavy bodied moth. Its forewings range from 45 to 60mm in length. As it usually happens, females are larger than males.
Regarding colors, the general background color is without a doubt grey. This also arises the main difference with another subspecie, the Pachysphinx occidentalis which is yellow-brown in color. Regarding Pachysphinx modesta, the forewings of this species are scalloped. The hindwings of this species are red, particularly usual being crimson with a white, black and blue eyespot near the end of the body. The blue portion of this spot is very distinct and connected in this species, because in the Pachysphinx occidentalis it is bisected by a black line.
Pachysphinx modesta pupae: check our shop!
Pachysphinx modesta pupae for sale in our shop! This is one of our favorite Sphingidae. Stunning pupae that have been reared ex-ovo, from a wild female collected by a friend in Quebec, Canada. They will overwinter, store them outside or in the fridge, in a sealed box. Next year they will produce 1 or 2 broods throughout the warm season.
Don’t miss the opportunity to have this fantastic species at your place. Being the pupae very delicate, we strongly recommend to use the “Express courier” shipping option. This way you will be able to track the parcel during its delivery and you will get a 100% guarantee on the material upon arrival. Please mind that claims needs to be submitted max 48h after the insect livestock products have been received.
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And remember: having parallel competence in botanics, biochemistry and ecology is fundamental for understanding what are the most relevant plants for breeding, but again it highlights the importance of a correct understanding of what a life cycle is about and how complex it is. That’s why we always suggest you to write us through our newsletter or through our chat if you have any doubt, suggestion or you just want to learn more!