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Digital Guide to Moth Identification

7809 – Laurel Sphinx Moth – Sphinx kalmiae – J.E. Smith, 1797

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Distribution: Ranges from Newfoundland west to Saskatchewan and southward to Florida and Louisiana. It is widespread but uncommon in Maryland, according to John Glaser. It is uncommon in the south. Seasonality and Size: One brood in the north, at least two in the south. Glaser reports flight dates from 17 May - 28 August. Wingspan 75 - 103 mm. Larva and Host Plants: Food plants include ash, fringe-tree, laurel, lilac and privet. A green hornworm, it has seven oblique lateral lines edged with black and yellow. A black line on the head is edged with yellow. There are yellow and black markings on the abdominal prolegs (fifth or final instar), and it has orange spiracles. The horn is blue with tiny black spines. Field Marks: forewing yellowish brown with black shading along inner margin. whitish subterminal line. hindwing tan, with black border, median line and basal patch.

References

Species Page at BugGuide.Net USA Distribution Map at BMNA. Bill Oehlke's Species Page Covell Field Guide p.35; Pl. 4(6, male). J. P. Tuttle, 2007. Hawk Moths of North America: p. 84; pl. 6.5. MONA Fascicle 21, p.64; Pl. 5(2, male). R. W. Hodges, 1971. MONA Fascicle 21:p. 64; pl. 5.2. Wagner, D. L., (2005). Caterpillars of Eastern North America, p. 259.

Data compiled and contributed by Nolie Schneider from references cited.

© David Bree © Bill Johnson © Darryl Searcy © Ron White © D. Lynn Scott © Nolie Schneider

90mm – © Jim Vargo

© Dave Pelletier   © Tim Dyson 4th instar © Tim Dyson 5th instar © Tim Dyson pupa

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