Smerinthus astarte
Strecker
Drowsy-eyed Sphinx
Smerinthus astarte is a in the , currently treated as a synonym of Smerinthus cerisyi by most authorities. The is known from western North America, with records from Alberta, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Vermont. The feed on aspen, cottonwood, and willow foliage. are and possess distinctive patterns on the .
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Smerinthus astarte: //smɛˈrɪnθəs æˈstɑːrti//
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Distribution
Western North America. Documented from Alberta, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan in Canada; also recorded from Vermont in the United States.
Diet
feed on leaves of aspen (Populus tremuloides), cottonwood (Populus spp.), and non-woolly willow (Salix spp., excluding sandbar willow).
Host Associations
- Populus tremuloides - aspen foliage
- Populus spp. - cottonwood foliage
- Salix spp. - non-woolly willow foliage; sandbar willow excluded
Life Cycle
with four stages: , (), , and . Caterpillars pupate in the ground. Adults emerge the following spring (April or May).
Behavior
are (sphingid ). feed openly on foliage.
Ecological Role
function as on riparian and forest trees. likely serve as when nectaring.
Human Relevance
Occasionally encountered by homeowners when defoliate ornamental aspen trees. Generally not considered a significant pest; is typically minor.
Similar Taxa
- Smerinthus cerisyiS. astarte is currently synonymized with S. cerisyi (One-eyed Sphinx or Cerisy's Sphinx). S. cerisyi has a broader distribution across North America and is the preferred name in current usage.
- Smerinthus ophthalmicaAnother western with similar patterning; distinguished by range and subtle pattern differences.