Gulf Pine Sphinx - Hodges#7817.1
Lapara phaeobrachycerous
This record describes Lapara phaeobrachycerous (species). Recorded family: Sphingidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
This recently-described species is similar in appearance to other members of its genus--see Brou for description. It should be looked for along the Gulf Coast. Det. V. A. Brou Jr., 2013 considered by Louisiana to be a Species of Greatest Conservation Need (SGCN)
Identification notes
This recently-described species is similar in appearance to other members of its genus--see Brou (1994) for description. It should be looked for along the Gulf Coast. Det. V. A. Brou Jr., 2013
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Lepidoptera (Butterflies and Moths)
- Superfamily
- Bombycoidea
- Family
- Sphingidae (Sphinx Moths)
- Subfamily
- Sphinginae
- Tribe
- Sphingini
- Genus
- Lapara
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
occurs in longleaf pine regions (Brou 1994)
Geographic Range
Known from coastal se TX to MS - Map (MPG), but Brou (1994) examined spmns that may be this sp. from GA and SC. Occurs in LA in the " Florida Parishes " (Brou 1994)
Seasonal Activity
Mar-Oct in LA (MPG)
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Caterpillars are thought to feed on pine ( Pinus , Pinaceae) (Brou 1994)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Lapara phaeobrachycerous Brou 1994
About Butterflies and Moths: the wider group
Order-level background for Lepidoptera, the group containing Lapara phaeobrachycerous. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Lepidoptera includes approximately 180,000 described species of butterflies and moths. Moths outnumber butterflies roughly 10:1. The monarch butterfly's eastern population has declined by more than 80% since the mid-1990s, and the western population by over 95% since the 1980s. The IUCN lists the migratory monarch as Vulnerable.
Ecological role of the group
Butterflies and moths are essential indicators of ecosystem health. As caterpillars, they are a primary food source for birds - a single nest of blue tit chicks requires ~10,000 caterpillars. Adult moths pollinate many night-blooming plants.
Economic and practical significance of the group
Lepidoptera are critical pollinators. In Europe, grassland butterfly species have declined by almost 50% since the early 1990s. In the UK, three-quarters of butterflies are in decline. In the U.S., five butterfly species have gone extinct since 1950, with 29 listed as endangered.
Recorded sources for this group: IUCN Red List, Xerces Society, USFWS, PNAS, WWF. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Gulf Pine Sphinx - Hodges#7817.1 (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by Cotinis; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , Fyn Kynd
Frequently Asked Questions About Gulf Pine Sphinx - Hodges#7817.1
What is Gulf Pine Sphinx - Hodges#7817.1?
Gulf Pine Sphinx - Hodges#7817.1 (Lapara phaeobrachycerous) is a species in the family Sphingidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
How big is Gulf Pine Sphinx - Hodges#7817.1?
wingspan 64-78 mm
How do you identify Gulf Pine Sphinx - Hodges#7817.1?
This recently-described species is similar in appearance to other members of its genus--see Brou (1994) for description. It should be looked for along the Gulf Coast. Det. V. A. Brou Jr., 2013
Where is Gulf Pine Sphinx - Hodges#7817.1 found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | occurs in longleaf pine regions (Brou 1994) |
| Range | Known from coastal se TX to MS - Map (MPG), but Brou (1994) examined spmns that may be this sp. from GA and SC. Occurs in LA in the Florida Parishes (Brou 1994) |
When is Gulf Pine Sphinx - Hodges#7817.1 active?
Gulf Pine Sphinx - Hodges#7817.1: seasonal activity - Mar-Oct in LA (MPG).
What is the life cycle of a Gulf Pine Sphinx - Hodges#7817.1?
Caterpillars are thought to feed on pine ( Pinus , Pinaceae) (Brou 1994)