White-lined Sphinx Moth

Sonoran McDowell Preserve, Scottsdale, AZ

Hyles lineata, Sphingidae family

Supposedly named for the resemblance of the resting larva to the Sphinx of Giza (I don’t see it), H. lineata is a generalist as both larva and adult, making it widespread, from Central America to Canada. Under favorable conditions the larvae can be abundant and conspicuous. But their proclivity towards tomato and grape crops makes them susceptible to aerial pesticide assaults that can affect their ability to pollinate rarer plants like sacred Datura Datura wrightii, and Queen-of-the-night Peniocereus greggii (although their exceptionally long proboscis means they often pilfer nectar without collecting pollen.)

Also called Hawk moths, they may be mistaken for a hummingbird as they hover while nectaring during daylight.

The individual pictured appears to be recently eclosed, a late stage teneral imago.