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HUGE moth in Denver- what is it? #135167

Asked June 18, 2013, 5:03 PM EDT

I spotted this (not so) little guy on the patio behind our offices today. His wingspan in the position he was in when I took this picture was about 4". Any idea what he is?

Denver County Colorado

Expert Response

that is the adult of the giant poplar sphinx, Pachysphinx occidentalis. The larvae feed on cottonwoods and poplars.

Very cool.

An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 22, 2013, 9:21 AM EDT

This work is supported in part by New Technologies for Ag Extension grant no. 2020-41595-30123 from the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture. Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the view of the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

HUGE moth in Denver- what is it? #135167

Expert Response

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