Great Ash Sphinx
Common NameGreat Ash Sphinx
Scientific NameSphinx chersis
FamilySphingidae
SubfamilySphinginae
Wingspan (mm)110
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorsgrey, brown, white
HabitatDeciduous forests, woodlands, suburban areas, parks, and gardens
Geographic RangeNorth America (southern Canada to Mexico)
Host PlantsAsh (Fraxinus spp.), Lilac (Syringa vulgaris), Privet (Ligustrum spp.)
Flight PeriodJune to September
Flight Stylehovering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on host plant leaves. Larvae are large green hornworms with diagonal white stripes and a prominent horn, feeding on leaves before pupating in an underground chamber.
Identification TipsDistinguished by its overall pale grey coloration, the lack of strong contrasting markings on the forewings, and a dark central stripe on the thorax. The hindwings are dark brown with two pale bands.
Description
A large, robust moth with cryptically patterned greyish-brown forewings featuring subtle darker lines and lighter patches, providing excellent camouflage against tree bark.
