Birding Trips Birding Classes Private Guiding Photos Other Offerings Droppings
 
 
 

Moth: Greenhorn Mtns, Kern or Tulare Co. - August 2, 2003

I'm still a novice at identifying butterflies and their plant relationships. So, if you disagree with the name I've put to the following butterflies photos, please send me a note to explain. I'd like to learn something new. Please do not copy any image without first asking for permission. All photos © 2003 Les Chibana.

I was in search of hummingbirds attending natural nectar resources in these mountains of the southern Sierra Nevada. Alison Sheehey and I came upon a patch of Monks-hood flowers, the first I had ever seen. A small creature flew in and began to work the flower patch. I was surprised to see that it was a Sphinx moth! For more great information and wildlife images from this area, please visit Alison's website Nature Alley.

   

There are several species of Sphinx Moths (Sphingidae) in California. This one appears to be a White-lined Sphinx, Hyles lineata, formerly Celerio lineata. The factors for proper ID seem to be the white lines on the forewings, the rose colored panels edged with black bars on the hind wings, and diurnal nectaring.

The Monks-hood, Aconitum columbianum, is outrageous in its own right. At first, it appears to be a mutant Royal Larkspur, Delphinium variegatum, to which it's somewhat related.
   
 

This large moth is about the size of a small hummingbird, such as the Rufous Hummingbird, a common fall migrant in the southern Sierra Nevada Range. The general flying style, shape, diurnal activity, and even the flash of color would easily fool the novice into thinking this was a hummingbird.

 
   
 

They nectar at flowers by inserting their tongues into the nectar stores in the same way that hummingbirds use their beaks and tongues. Feeding this way is easy for only the hummingbirds and these Sphinx moths.

 
 
 
       

If you'd like to contact me about images on these pages, grab the pigeon on the left and send a note.
 
 

BirdNUTZ - Ornigasmic Birding
em: les@birdnutz.com • ph: 650-949-4335 • fx: 650-949-4137
SnailMail: SR 2, Box 335 • La Honda CA 94020

© 2004 BirdNUTZ • All rights reserved.