White-lined Sphinx Moths are being seen in unprecedented numbers – what is going on?

• • 6 Comments

White-lined Sphinx Moths, also called Hummingbird Moths, are here on the Mendonoma Coast in unbelievable numbers. In past years, I'd be lucky to receive one or two sightings of these beautiful moths. In the past week or so I've received many, many sightings of them. For whatever reason, they are having a banner year - a mast year - and they are being seen in the daylight hours, which is also unusual.

Mary Lou Flint photographed one feeding on agapanthus. She said there were three or four in her garden.

And Michael Combs found one feeding on nasturtiams.

Jeanne Barry also found one in her garden.

This morning I saw two feeding in abelia, a plant loved by Bumblebees, Monarch Butterflies, and now White-lined Sphinx Moths! I'll be posting more about these beauties soon.

Thanks to Mary Lou, Michael and Jeanne (nice name!) for allowing me to share their photos with you here.

After a very foggy, drippy morning, the sun broke through, but temps are quite mild, low 60's.

6 thoughts on “White-lined Sphinx Moths are being seen in unprecedented numbers – what is going on?”

  2. Yes! We have them for the first time ever in our garden (we are in Sebastopol). When I shared on social media, sooooo many people wrote in saying how many they have been seeing. So curious as to why!

    1. Jeanne Jackson

       Post author

      Thanks for letting me know, Marygood! Many people here have told me they've never seen one before.

  3. Lynn Gigy & Barbara Tatum

    Hi Jeanne -
    Lynn and I now live in Rohnert Park and still take the ICO. We love your section a lot and were fascinated to read about all the White-lined Sphinx Moths that are being seen in Gualala. We have one here too! It is on the ceiling of our patio and has been there all day. We will keep an eye on it to see if it leaves this evening or stays longer. I did read today that the caterpillars like to eat grape leaves! I wonder if that is why they are around here! We have never seen them here before today.
    Barb & Lynn
    (Gualala Books)

    1. Jeanne Jackson

       Post author

      Thanks, Lynn and Barbara, so glad you are staying in touch with the coast with your subscription to the ICO! Amazing about these moths!

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