Salicet Sphinx Smerinthus saliceti Prepupa & Pupa Family:  Sphingidae Subfamily:  Sphinginae Tribe:  Smerithini Hodges # 7823 Boisduval, 1875 Home    Details      Characteristics and Range Map     LARVAE     FEMALE & MALE After eight days as fifth instar, #1 changed color and walked off plant seeking a suitable spot to pupate 25 June 2011 #1 pre-pupa Prepupa  that  burrowed into the  sand .  I took off the wood shavings  and poured off the sand to check on it.  This is the underside that shows how it  formed a cocoon over itself. Prepupa  that  burrowed into  sand and formed cocoon Prepupa in cocoon made by burrowing into sand.  Can you see it? Pupa #1 - 25 June 2011 Pupa #1 - 25 June 2011

PHOTO DETAILS - ©Nicky Davis John Richards used a light trap to locate female 21 May 2011 at Catalina State Park, Near  Tucson, Pima County, Arizona.  LIFE HISTORY: Ovum:  About 10 days to hatch,  1.5 mm, slightly oblique in shape with central dimple on top.  They are slightly yellowish-cream color and were oviposited in groups on a paper sack for four days. Larva:  These fed from  27 - 30 days before pupating. Maximum length was 70 mm , some were blue-ish and other more green. Two pre-pupae were placed  in individual plastic containers that were 4.5 inch diameter- three inch high with recycled brown paper toweling lining the inside like a bowl and the same paper across the top and also the plastic lid. One pre-pupa was in the same set-up but with wood shavings added. Two pre-pupae were placed in the same paper lined container but  was half filled with fine sand from a pet supply store with wood shavings added over the sand to nearly  fill the container.  These pupae burrowed into the sand going against the bottom of the container. Pupa:  Three days after  walking off plant and changing color, they pupated Adult:  Broods: Hibernation:  Overwinters as HOST PLANT: Quaking Aspen, Salicaceae pupulus tremuloides Back to Top