Hagen's Sphinx / Osage Orange Sphinx
Mar 31, 2020 7:20:19 GMT
Paul K, mothman27, and 1 more like this
Post by trehopr1 on Mar 31, 2020 7:20:19 GMT
Here is the finest example which I have ever personally collected of this rather seldom encountered species of sphinx. The only ones I have encountered have come from the far southern counties of my home state of Illinois. Hagen's sphinx or as it is also known as the Osage orange sphinx is a specialist species of one food source: Osage orange trees (Maclura pomifera).
These trees are also known as hedge apple trees and typically grow 8 to 15 meters tall. They may be encountered along fence-rows in rural areas, weedy yards, and the edges of parks and forests where sunlight can reach them. They bear large granular skinned fruits the size of an orange later in summer. The larvae of this moth has not been shown to eat anything else, including related plants.
Larvae of this unique species are said to exhibit at least 3 color morphs. The species is widespread across the whole of the Central Midwest States including half of Texas, the better part of Oklahoma, and half of Nebraska. A portion of the Gulf Coast States have it and its eastward expanse peeter's out halfway thru Ohio. So, in short it has a sizable range but, only localized occurrence.
I have made over 20 trips to southern Illinois (over the years) and have only encountered it perhaps six or seven occasions as singular individuals. It is a handsome species with fresh examples appearing very much lichen colored for blending in (in plain sight)...
Just a somewhat unique species which I only find on occasion but, relish encountering.
These trees are also known as hedge apple trees and typically grow 8 to 15 meters tall. They may be encountered along fence-rows in rural areas, weedy yards, and the edges of parks and forests where sunlight can reach them. They bear large granular skinned fruits the size of an orange later in summer. The larvae of this moth has not been shown to eat anything else, including related plants.
Larvae of this unique species are said to exhibit at least 3 color morphs. The species is widespread across the whole of the Central Midwest States including half of Texas, the better part of Oklahoma, and half of Nebraska. A portion of the Gulf Coast States have it and its eastward expanse peeter's out halfway thru Ohio. So, in short it has a sizable range but, only localized occurrence.
I have made over 20 trips to southern Illinois (over the years) and have only encountered it perhaps six or seven occasions as singular individuals. It is a handsome species with fresh examples appearing very much lichen colored for blending in (in plain sight)...
Just a somewhat unique species which I only find on occasion but, relish encountering.
