I used a female P. glaucus maynardi specimen as a model for a painting I did (see Insect Art, "Butterflies & Bees" on this forum). The blue was just as extensive as on this photo. Not all females have this much blue, however.

Could be burrows of Sphecius grandis (western cicada killer)

More USA buck moth species, top photo:
H. electra mojavensis (top)
H. electra clio (lower two)

lower photo, top to bottom:
H. grotei (top)
H. electra electra
H. electra mojavensis
H. electra mojavensis
H. burnsi

Nike stole their logo from this moth.

This is my bug-enthusiast grandson.

Evra, where in AZ can you catch them all? I was unaware that Smerinthus had been revised. Now I have to figure out what I have and what I need to look for. Thanks for the info.

Top to bottom:
Smerinthus saliceti
Smerinthus cerisyi
Paonias astylus

There are several species of "blinded sphinx" in N. America.
Here are some I have collected, top to bottom:
Smerinthus jamaicensis
Paonias excaecata
Paonias myops

I love heliconians, especially variable species like these.

Common name is the Tailed Orange. Native to southwestern USA. The winter form (pictured) has "tails", summer form has rounded hindwings. These specimens are obviously worn. I don't have any in pristine condition.

P. anchisiades occasionally strays into the U.S. from Mexico. I once saw one nectaring in the flower garden at Sea World in San Antonio, TX. Unfortunately I had no net, but I doubt that collecting is allowed in that park anyway.

Thanks, Livingplanet. I think you got it right.

On the right is a similar Parides species, but I don't know which one. On the left is Biblis hyperia.

This is one of the exotic skippers from extreme south TX. The metallic coloration really shines in the bright sunshine.

Great info. I had never heard of Prionoxystus macmurtrei until now.

The underside of P. palamedes is quite nice also.

Looks like some type of robber fly.

LED lights are practically useless for insect collecting compared to MV. I used to regularly collect at gas stations and other MV-lighted buildings, but when they switched to LED the number of bugs dropped dramatically. LED will attract a few bugs, but not enough to justify the cost of driving aroun...

I agree with Dave. My son lives in CO and I've been hoping to catch some of these. No luck yet. I seem to always visit at the wrong time.

Thanks everybody for the info.