Laurel Sphinx
Sphinx kalmiae Smith, 1797
Family: Sphingidae
Status: Occasional resident
Larval Hostplant(s): Ash (Fraxinus). Lilac (Syringa) and other plants in the Olive (Oleaceae) family. Not Laurel – see notes below.
Range: This moth is found from the east coast west to the Dakotas, Nebraska, Oklahoma and Texas.
NENHP Ranking: Not listed
Broods/Flight Times: Reported to be double brooded with the few Nebraska records being from July.
Habitat: Woodlands and urban areas near hostplants.
Avg. Wingspan: 3 – 4 Inches
Found at: Fontenelle Forest, Indian Cave SP.
Overwintering: As pupa in the soil.
Similar Species:
Notes: Named for botanist Pehr Kalm it got the moniker Laurel Sphinx from the mistaken idea that its larvae fed on Laurel (Kalmia).
đź”—Links: Moth Photographers Group, BugGuide.net.
