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Clark's Sphinx

Proserpinus clarkiae

Clark's Sphinx is a special moth that looks like a tiny hummingbird! It loves to sip nectar from flowers and can be found fluttering around in gardens during the summer.

Habitat: Gardens and meadows

Appearance

The Clark's Sphinx has an olive-green body and forewings, often marked with dark lines. Its most striking feature is the bright reddish-pink on its hindwings, making it stand out from other moths with a greenish shimmer.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderLepidopteraFamilySphingidaeGenusProserpinus
Clark's Sphinx
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Clark's Sphinx

Category

Insects

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

Its caterpillars wear a harmless 'horn' on their tail, making them look unique!

The adult moths only sip liquid nectar; they never eat solid food!

Their fast-flapping wings can create a faint humming sound you can hear!

Unlike most moths, Clark's Sphinx loves to fly and feed during the daytime!

Special abilities

Ability

Hovering Wings

Clark's Sphinx can hover perfectly still because its rapid wing beats help them sip nectar while flying.

Ability

Leaf Disguise

Clark's Sphinx caterpillars have a green body and stripe that helps them disappear against host leaves to hide.

Ability

Nectar Snorkel

Clark's Sphinx has a super long proboscis that helps them reach sweet nectar deep inside tubular flowers.

Measurements & details

Wingspan
35-45 mm
Size
20-25 mm
Lifespan
7-10 days
Flight Speed
48 km/h
Leg Count
6

Diet & Feeding

These moths drink flower nectar, while their caterpillars munch on plant leaves.

Age differences: Larvae eat leaves of host plants, but adults drink only flower nectar.

Primary Foods

  • Flower nectar
  • Clarkia leaves
  • Epilobium leaves
  • Lupinus nectar
  • Penstemon nectar

Foraging Method

  • Foraging

Ecological connections

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Moths are gentle creatures, but it's best to watch them from a distance.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to identify Clark's Sphinx?

The easiest way to identify Clark's Sphinx is to use the Snappit nature identifier app.

What is Clark's Sphinx's wingspan?

35-45 mm

How big is Clark's Sphinx?

20-25 mm

How long does Clark's Sphinx live?

7-10 days

How fast can Clark's Sphinx fly?

48 km/h

What does Clark's Sphinx eat?

These moths drink flower nectar, while their caterpillars munch on plant leaves.

Where is Clark's Sphinx usually found?

Gardens and meadows

How does Clark's Sphinx hunt?

Foraging

Snap Map

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Where to spot

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