White-lined Sphinx moth, Hiles lineata

Plants used by the Larva of the White-Lined Sphinx Moth

In these pictures (below and above) a White-Lined Sphinx moth larva is feeding on California fuchsias, Zauschineria California. This a a beautiful plant that grows in seasonal creaks and rock faces with available moisture. It can tolerate garden water but also be very drought tolerant. It is also very popular with hummingbirds as well as butterflies.

The white lined sphinx larva also feeds on Oenothera spp. below is a picture of an Evening Primrose, Oenothera hookeri. Adult moths also get nectar from them. This particular species is quite tall, it can reach 6 foot. The flowers are around two inches in diameter and only open at night. It is very popular with moths.

Amazingly these two flowers,the California fuchsia and the Evening primrose, are in the same family, the Onegraceae family

Plants used as nectar sources by the Adult White-Lined Sphinx Moth

The adult White-Lined Sphinx moth feeds on lots of flowers. Some of it's favorites are Sages, and Evening Primrose. Sages, Salvia spp. are very popular with butterflies, moths, and hummingbirds.

In the above picture a White-Lined Sphinx moth begins to extend it's proboscis as it approaches it's target, a Salvia brandegii flower. This sage forms a nicely rounded shrub that is covered with deep blue flower throughout the spring and summer.
In the picture below the White-Lined Sphinx moth finally became camera shy and is zooming off.

The White-Lined Sphinx moth also likes  Desert Bluebell, Phacelia campanularia . It came to visit it repeatedly in our Escondido demonstration garden.