Waved Sphinx
Common NameWaved Sphinx
Scientific NameCeratomia undulosa
FamilySphingidae
SubfamilySphinginae
Wingspan (mm)90
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorsgray, brown, black, white
HabitatDeciduous forests, woodlands, suburban areas
Geographic RangeEastern North America, from southern Canada to Florida and west to Texas
Host Plantsash, lilac, privet, fringe tree
Flight PeriodMay to August
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are green with white stripes and a caudal horn, feeding on host plant leaves. They pupate in an underground chamber.
Identification TipsLook for its large size, the distinctive cryptic gray-brown wavy pattern on the forewings, and the prominent white discal spot. The overall pattern is quite unique among sphinx moths.
Description
A large, robust moth with mottled gray and brown forewings featuring intricate wavy black lines and a prominent white discal spot. The hindwings are typically plainer, dark gray.
