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© Rachel Vanags     (Photo ID #37288)

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Distribution of Deilephila elpenor in British Columbia in British Columbia

Introduction


This species has become quite widespread in the lower mainland since its' introduction in the mid 1990's. It is now well-established and numerous in some areas.

Although the larvae favour Galium and Epilobium, they apparently eat plants in other genera/families. They have been recorded feeding on Impatiens in Europe.

Until recently, the host plant for this species in Canada was unknown. In August 2013, Patrick McKay documented the larvae feeding on the introduced and invasive policeman's helmet (Impatiens glandulifera).

Note Author: Chris Schmidt, Entomologist, Canadian Food Inspection Agency

Status Information

Origin StatusProvincial StatusBC List
(Red Blue List)
COSEWIC
ExoticSNAExoticNot Listed



BC Ministry of Environment: BC Species and Ecosystems Explorer--the authoritative source for conservation information in British Columbia.

Synonyms and Alternate Names

Chaerocampa lewisii Butler, 1875
Elpenor vitis Oken, 1815
Sphinx elpenor Linnaeus, 1758

General References