White-lined Sphinx Moth
Hyles lineata
Large gray-brown sphinx moth with white-striped abdomen and pink hindwing patches. Nocturnal nectar feeder on evening primrose and petunias. Hovering flight mimics hummingbirds; essential nighttime pollinator.
Plants that support White-lined Sphinx Moth
18 plants
American Willowherb
Epilobium ciliatum subsp. ciliatum
perennial herb
Larvae feed on Epilobium; multiple generations throughout growing season
Black Sage
Salvia mellifera
shrub
Evening nectar feeder during bloom season Apr-Jul
Blue Dicks
Dipterostemon capitatus
geophyte
Spring migrants utilize blooms as early nectar source Mar-May
Bog Orchid
Platanthera dilatata
perennial herb
Larval development on foliage in early growing season
California Chia
Salvia columbariae
annual
Larval host plant for sphinx moth caterpillars
California Fuchsia
Epilobium canum
perennial herb
Crepuscular/nocturnal nectar feeder; supports energy for migration
Coast Black Gooseberry
Ribes divaricatum var. pubiflorum
shrub
Larvae feed on Ribes foliage during growing season
Coyote Willow
Salix exigua var. hindsiana
tree
Caterpillars feed on willow foliage; multiple generations per year
Deerweed
Acmispon glaber
shrub
Larval host supporting multiple generations; year-round blooming provides extended feeding period
Elegant Clarkia
Clarkia unguiculata
annual
Evening nectar foraging during bloom May-Jul
Giant Figwort*
Adelinia grandis
perennial herb
Larval foodplant; multiple generations June-August
Hairy Thorn-apple
Datura wrightii
perennial herb
generalist host plant for multiple generations April-October
Hummingbird Sage
Salvia spathacea
perennial herb
Spring visitor; crepuscular nectar feeding
Interior Goldenbush
Ericameria linearifolia
shrub
Generalist sphinx moth; caterpillars feed on foliage in spring
Monkeyflower (Scarlet)
Erythranthe cardinalis
perennial herb
Nocturnal nectar feeder; long proboscis accesses tubular flowers during bloom
Royal Larkspur
Delphinium variegatum subsp. variegatum
perennial herb
Caterpillars feed on plant foliage during larval development
Sticky Phacelia
Phacelia viscida
perennial herb
Larval host plant for caterpillars; spring generation development
Winecup clarkia
Clarkia purpurea
annual
Spring migrant, early season nectar source