Wild Cherry Sphinx
Common NameWild Cherry Sphinx
Scientific NameSphinx drupiferarum
FamilySphingidae
SubfamilySphinginae
Wingspan (mm)95
Wing Patternstriped
Primary Colorsdark brown, black, white, gray
HabitatDeciduous forests, woodlands, orchards, suburban areas
Geographic RangeEastern North America, from southern Canada to Florida and west to the Great Plains
Host Plantswild cherry, plum, peach, apple
Flight PeriodMay to August
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on host plant leaves. Larvae are green with white stripes and a prominent horn, pupating in an underground chamber.
Identification TipsKey features include the prominent white costal stripe on the dark forewings and the dark central stripe on the thorax. Hindwings are dark with two lighter bands.
Description
A large, robust moth with dark brown to black forewings featuring a prominent white costal stripe and lighter gray-brown margins. The body is dark with a central black stripe.
