# 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. - **Category:** [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/insect) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low - **Habitat:** Gardens and meadows ![Clark's Sphinx](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Redirect/file/Proserpinus_clarkiae_%E2%80%93_Clark's_Day_Sphinx_Moth_%2814394242879%29.jpg&width=800) Photo: Andy Reago & Chrissy McClarren, CC BY 2.0 · [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Proserpinus_clarkiae_%E2%80%93_Clark's_Day_Sphinx_Moth_%2814394242879%29.jpg) ## 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. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Arthropoda - **Class:** Insecta - **Order:** Lepidoptera - **Family:** Sphingidae - **Genus:** Proserpinus ## 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 - **Hovering Wings:** Clark's Sphinx can hover perfectly still because its rapid wing beats help them sip nectar while flying. - **Leaf Disguise:** Clark's Sphinx caterpillars have a green body and stripe that helps them disappear against host leaves to hide. - **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 - **Pollinates:** Purple Clarkia (*Clarkia purpurea*) — Moths visit these flowers for nectar, helping them make seeds. - **Depends on:** [Fireweed](https://www.snappit.app/explore/fireweed) (*Epilobium angustifolium*) — Caterpillars munch these leaves to grow big and strong. - **Eaten by:** [American Robin](https://www.snappit.app/explore/american-robin) (*Turdus migratorius*) — Young caterpillars can be a tasty snack for hungry birds. - **Eaten by:** [Little Brown Bat](https://www.snappit.app/explore/little-brown-bat) (*Myotis lucifugus*) — Adult moths can be caught by this bat during evening flights. ## Traits - [Aerial](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/aerial): Aerial creatures spend a significant portion of their lives airborne, utilizing flight for various activities such as hunting, migration, or nesting. - [Colorful](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/colorful): Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors. - [Herbivorous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/herbivorous): This trait characterizes organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of plant material. - [Pollinator Magnet](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/pollinator-magnet): Describes plants that are particularly attractive and beneficial to a wide range of pollinating organisms. - [Miniature](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/miniature): Pertaining to species that are significantly smaller than typical or average for their kind. - [Speedster](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/speedster): This trait identifies organisms that exhibit exceptional swiftness in movement for hunting, escape, or travel. - [Urban Friendly](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/urban-friendly): This habitat trait indicates species that can coexist with humans in urban and suburban environments, utilizing man-made structures and green spaces. - [Nocturnal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/nocturnal): Nocturnal animals are primarily active during the nighttime hours, typically resting or sleeping during the day. - [Pollinator](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/pollinator): Describes organisms that transfer pollen, enabling the fertilization and reproduction of plants. ## Collections - [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/insects) ## 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? Compare resting wing shape, forewing markings, antennae and body build. Small brown moths can hinge on fine details a phone photo can't always catch. Moth Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details. ### 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 ## Where to spot - [Koksilah River Provincial Park](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/koksilah-river-provincial-park) — British Columbia, CA · State Park ## More Insects - [Common Eastern Bumble Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/common-eastern-bumble-bee) (*Bombus impatiens*) - [Spotted Lanternfly](https://www.snappit.app/explore/spotted-lanternfly) (*Lycorma delicatula*) - [Brown-belted Bumble Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/brown-belted-bumble-bee) (*Bombus griseocollis*) - [Eastern Carpenter Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-carpenter-bee) (*Xylocopa virginica*) --- Source: [Clark's Sphinx: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/clarks-sphinx)