Northern Apple Sphinx
Common NameNorthern Apple Sphinx
Scientific NameSphinx gordius
FamilySphingidae
SubfamilySphinginae
Wingspan (mm)85
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorsgrey, brown, black
HabitatDeciduous forests, orchards, suburban areas, and open woodlands
Geographic RangeEastern North America, from southern Canada south to Florida and west to the Great Plains
Host Plantsapple, cherry, hawthorn, plum
Flight PeriodMay to August
Flight Stylehovering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are green hornworms with white stripes and a caudal horn, feeding on Rosaceae. They pupate in an underground chamber.
Identification TipsDistinguished by its cryptic grey-brown forewings with prominent dark streaks and a small white discal spot. Lacks the prominent eyespots found on some other sphinx moths; hindwings, if visible, are dark with a reddish wash.
Description
A large, robust moth with cryptic grey-brown forewings marked by dark longitudinal streaks and a small white discal spot. The hindwings are typically dark with two faint bands and a reddish tint, though not fully visible dorsally.
