Sphinx perelegans, the elegant sphinx, is a species of hawkmoth.
It is native to western North America from British Columbia to Baja California and to New Mexico.
The wingspan is 98–110 mm.
Sphinx perelegans ♂
Sphinx perelegans ♂ △
Sphinx perelegans ♀
Sphinx perelegans ♀ △
There is one generation per year in the north with adults on wing in June and July. In California, there is one generation (although there might be a partial second) with adults on wing from April to June and again from August to September.
The adult of this species is a key pollinator of the rare lemon lily (Lilium parryi) in California.[2]
The larvae feed on Arctostaphylos manzanita, Arbutus menziesii, Cercocarpus betuloides and Prunus ilicifolia. In captivity, they will feed on Gaultheria shallon.
Sphinx perelegans, the elegant sphinx, is a species of hawkmoth.
