Other Common Names
Fawn Sphinx (suggested by Wagner
(1))
Identification
Forewing of moth has dark margin, bold white line.
Larva is blue-green or yellow-green with seven diagonal lines that are white edged with black above and usually yellow below. Black stripe on the outer part of head inwardly edged in yellow-green. Spiracles orange, horn blue with tiny black spines. Midabdominal prolegs have yellow band above black crescents at bottom of leg.
(1)Range
Eastern North America:
Woodlands, forests, yards and nurseries from Manitoba to Newfoundland south to Northern Florida and Lousiana, becoming uncommon southward.
Habitat
often found under ornamental lilac plants
Season
May-August; two generations southward with mature caterpillars June forward.
(1)Food
Ash, fringe-tree, lilac, privet, and plants in the olive family (
Oleaceae).
(1)Life Cycle
Larvae feed on a variety of deciuous trees and shrubs: Ashes (Fraxinus), Fringe-tree (Chionanthus), Laurels (Kalmia), etc.
See Also
Sphinx franckii - Franck's Sphinx.
Print References
Covell, p. 35, plate 4 #6
(2)
Internet References
Moth Photographers Group - species notes, photographs of life cycle and pinned adults.
