Sphinx canadensis
Encyclopedia
The Canadian Sphinx is a member of the family Sphingidae
that is found the Northeastern United States
and as north as Newfoundland and Labrador
, Canada
.
The adult's wingspan is between 70 and 85 mm. It is often confused with the Hermit Sphinx (Sphinx eremitus
) throughout their overlaying areas, but unlike S. eremitus it has no white spot. The forewing of this species is gray-brown with black streaks along the veins, interrupted by white lines along the outer margin. The hindwing is patterned with black and white bands.
It was previously thought that the larvae of this species fed on both White Ash (Fraxinus americana) and Blueberry (Vaccinium
), but recent observations suggest that the only larval host plant is Black Ash (Fraxinus nigra
) which grows at the edges of swamps. Phlox (Phlox
spp.) and Bouncing Bet (Saponaria officinalis) are the preferred nectar sources. Adults fly much later in the year than other sphinx moth species; most adults are collected in very late July or early August. The black patches on the sides of the larvae are thought to mimic the curled leaves of Black Ash.
Sphingidae
Sphingidae is a family of moths , commonly known as hawk moths, sphinx moths and hornworms, that includes about 1,200 species . It is best represented in the tropics but there are species in every region . They are moderate to large in size and are distinguished among moths for their rapid,...
that is found the Northeastern United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
and as north as Newfoundland and Labrador
Newfoundland and Labrador
Newfoundland and Labrador is the easternmost province of Canada. Situated in the country's Atlantic region, it incorporates the island of Newfoundland and mainland Labrador with a combined area of . As of April 2011, the province's estimated population is 508,400...
, Canada
Canada
Canada is a North American country consisting of ten provinces and three territories. Located in the northern part of the continent, it extends from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west, and northward into the Arctic Ocean...
.
The adult's wingspan is between 70 and 85 mm. It is often confused with the Hermit Sphinx (Sphinx eremitus
Sphinx eremitus
The Hermit Sphinx is a moth of the family Sphingidae. It is found in the temperate areas of the eastern United States, north into southern Canada over the Great Plains. It prefers gardens and yards, but is common wherever the nectar and larval host plants are found...
) throughout their overlaying areas, but unlike S. eremitus it has no white spot. The forewing of this species is gray-brown with black streaks along the veins, interrupted by white lines along the outer margin. The hindwing is patterned with black and white bands.
It was previously thought that the larvae of this species fed on both White Ash (Fraxinus americana) and Blueberry (Vaccinium
Vaccinium
Vaccinium is a genus of shrubs or dwarf shrubs in the plant Family Ericaceae. The fruit of many species are eaten by humans and some are of commercial importance, including the cranberry, blueberry, bilberry or whortleberry, lingonberry or cowberry, and huckleberry...
), but recent observations suggest that the only larval host plant is Black Ash (Fraxinus nigra
Fraxinus nigra
Fraxinus nigra is a species of Fraxinus native to much of eastern Canada and the northeastern United States, from western Newfoundland west to southeastern Manitoba, and south to Illinois and northern Virginia....
) which grows at the edges of swamps. Phlox (Phlox
Phlox
Phlox is a genus of 67 species of perennial and annual plants found mostly in North America in diverse habitats from alpine tundra to open woodland and prairie. Some flower in spring, others in summer and autumn....
spp.) and Bouncing Bet (Saponaria officinalis) are the preferred nectar sources. Adults fly much later in the year than other sphinx moth species; most adults are collected in very late July or early August. The black patches on the sides of the larvae are thought to mimic the curled leaves of Black Ash.