#7809 kalmiae

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.

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