2-9-2020 SIERRA DE ALBARRACIN, ARAGON - SOUTHERN PINE HAWK MOTH CATERPILLAR (Sphinx maurorum)

Sphinx maurorum, the southern pine hawkmoth, is a moth of the family Sphingidae. The species was first described by Karl Jordan in 1931. It is found on the Iberian Peninsula, as well as in southern and central France as far north as Corrèze and as far south as the Atlas and Rif mountains of North Africa. There are also records from Corsica.

The wingspan is 70–80 mm. There are one to two generations per year. Mostly, there is one generation with adults on wing from mid-July to early August. In some years, adults are on wing from May to June and again in August.

The larvae feed on Pinus (especially Pinus halepensis and Pinus pinaster) and Cedrus species.

Sphinx maurorum (southern pine hawkmoth) is a sphingid moth found in the Iberian Peninsula, southern/central France, and North Africa (Atlas/Rif mountains). With a 70–80 mm wingspan, this grey-colored, defoliating pest feeds primarily on Pinus (pine) and Cedrus (cedar) trees. Adults appear from May to August in one or two generations. 

Key Facts about Sphinx maurorum:

Appearance & Size: The wingspan typically measures between 70 and 80 mm. They are generally grayish with black, longitudinal lines on the forewings. They are similar to Sphinx ligustri but distinct as a separate species.

Habitat & Distribution: Primarily inhabits the Iberian Peninsula, southern/central France (as far north as Corrèze), North Africa, and Corsica. They are often found in pine-dominated, sunny areas.

Diet & Larvae: The larvae are defoliators of pines (Pinus halepensis, Pinus pinaster) and cedars (Cedrus species).

Life Cycle: Adults generally have one generation, appearing from mid-July to early August, though they can have two, appearing in May–June and again in August. The pupae overwinter in the ground.

Taxonomy: First described by Karl Jordan in 1931, it is sometimes referred to as Hyloicus maurorum or considered a subspecies of Sphinx pinastri, although it is now recognized as distinct.

Behavior: Adults often rest on the bark of pine trees, camouflaging with the surface.

Status: It has been cited as a pest of pine and cedar species in the Iberian and North African regions.