Sphinx franckii
Encyclopedia
Franck's Sphinx Moth is a moth
in the family Sphingidae
. It is known from lowland deciduous woodland in the eastern United States
but also suburban areas where Lilacs (Syringa species) are planted, ranging from New York
to northern Florida
east to Missouri
and Louisiana
.
The wingspan
is 100-128 mm. There is one generation in the north with adults on wing from late June to early July. In the south, there may be a partial second generation with adults on wing from August to September. Adults most frequently nectar from Phlox
(Phlox paniculata
and cultivars). However, males will occasionally gather over moist charcoal to obtain nutrients from the charred wood prior to copulation. Adults fly at dusk and in the early morning hours.
The larvae feed on several plants in the Olive family. The only native hosts of this moth are Ash (Fraxinus) and Fringe Tree (Chionanthus virginicus
). However, larvae seem to have a liking for ornamental Lilac (Syringa), and occasionally will feed on Privet (Ligustrum
). Larvae are commonly parasitized by native Braconid Wasps. The introduced Tachinid Fly poses additional threat to the beautiful caterpillars of this species. Larvae pupate in subterranean chambers a few inches beneath the surface of the ground. The pupa is a shiny, chestnut-brown color.
Moth
A moth is an insect closely related to the butterfly, both being of the order Lepidoptera. Moths form the majority of this order; there are thought to be 150,000 to 250,000 different species of moth , with thousands of species yet to be described...
in the family Sphingidae
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,...
. It is known from lowland deciduous woodland in the eastern United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
but also suburban areas where Lilacs (Syringa species) are planted, ranging from New York
New York
New York is a state in the Northeastern region of the United States. It is the nation's third most populous state. New York is bordered by New Jersey and Pennsylvania to the south, and by Connecticut, Massachusetts and Vermont to the east...
to northern Florida
Florida
Florida is a state in the southeastern United States, located on the nation's Atlantic and Gulf coasts. It is bordered to the west by the Gulf of Mexico, to the north by Alabama and Georgia and to the east by the Atlantic Ocean. With a population of 18,801,310 as measured by the 2010 census, it...
east to Missouri
Missouri
Missouri is a US state located in the Midwestern United States, bordered by Iowa, Illinois, Kentucky, Tennessee, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Kansas and Nebraska. With a 2010 population of 5,988,927, Missouri is the 18th most populous state in the nation and the fifth most populous in the Midwest. It...
and Louisiana
Louisiana
Louisiana is a state located in the southern region of the United States of America. Its capital is Baton Rouge and largest city is New Orleans. Louisiana is the only state in the U.S. with political subdivisions termed parishes, which are local governments equivalent to counties...
.
The wingspan
Wingspan
The wingspan of an airplane or a bird, is the distance from one wingtip to the other wingtip. For example, the Boeing 777 has a wingspan of about ; and a Wandering Albatross caught in 1965 had a wingspan of , the official record for a living bird.The term wingspan, more technically extent, is...
is 100-128 mm. There is one generation in the north with adults on wing from late June to early July. In the south, there may be a partial second generation with adults on wing from August to September. Adults most frequently nectar from 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....
(Phlox paniculata
Phlox paniculata
Phlox paniculata is a plant in the phlox family, Polemoniaceae. It is native to eastern United States, but has been extensively cultivated for many years, with many cultivars.-Description:...
and cultivars). However, males will occasionally gather over moist charcoal to obtain nutrients from the charred wood prior to copulation. Adults fly at dusk and in the early morning hours.
The larvae feed on several plants in the Olive family. The only native hosts of this moth are Ash (Fraxinus) and Fringe Tree (Chionanthus virginicus
Chionanthus virginicus
Chionanthus virginicus is a tree native to the eastern United States, from New Jersey south to Florida, and west to Oklahoma and Texas. -Growth:...
). However, larvae seem to have a liking for ornamental Lilac (Syringa), and occasionally will feed on Privet (Ligustrum
Ligustrum
Ligustrum is a genus of about forty species of erect, deciduous or evergreen shrubs, sometimes forming small or medium-sized trees. They are now all known by the common name of privet.-Selected species:...
). Larvae are commonly parasitized by native Braconid Wasps. The introduced Tachinid Fly poses additional threat to the beautiful caterpillars of this species. Larvae pupate in subterranean chambers a few inches beneath the surface of the ground. The pupa is a shiny, chestnut-brown color.
External links
- Franck's Sphinx Moths of America