Ceratomia sonorensis

Hodges, 1971

Sonoran sphinx

Ceratomia sonorensis, known as the Sonoran sphinx, is a hawkmoth in the . The inhabits high-elevation Madrean woodland in Sonora, Mexico and southeastern Arizona. are active during summer months, with feeding on Fraxinus (ash) species. The species was described by Ronald Hodges in 1971.

Ceratomia sonorensis BMNHE273978 male un by The Trustees of the Natural History Museum, London. Used under a CC BY 3.0 license.

Ceratomia sonorensis BMNHE273978 male up by The Trustees of the Natural History Museum, London. Used under a CC BY 3.0 license.

Ceratomia sonorensis BMNHE273977 female un by The Trustees of the Natural History Museum, London. Used under a CC BY 3.0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Ceratomia sonorensis: /sɛɹəˈtoʊmiə ˌsɒnəˈrɛnsɪs/

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Identification

Distinguished from other Ceratomia by geographic restriction to Madrean sky island in Sonora and Arizona. Distinguished from the more widespread Ceratomia catalpae (catalpa sphinx) and Ceratomia undulosa (waved sphinx) by range and association with Fraxinus rather than Catalpa or other . The specific epithet 'sonorensis' refers to the Mexican state of Sonora, the locality.

Images

Appearance

Wingspan measures 84–89 mm. As a member of the Ceratomia, the likely exhibits typical sphingid with body, narrow , and relatively broad . Specific coloration and pattern details are not documented in available sources.

Habitat

High-altitude Madrean woodland characterized by oak and oak-pine associations. This montane forest occurs in isolated mountain ranges (sky islands) of the Sonoran Desert region.

Distribution

Known from Sonora, Mexico and southeastern Arizona, USA. Records are restricted to high-elevation localities within the Madrean sky island archipelago.

Seasonality

are on from July to August. One per year ().

Diet

feed on Fraxinus (ash). feeding habits are not documented.

Host Associations

Fraxinus - larval -level association; specific Fraxinus not identified in sources.

Life Cycle

with one per year. develop on ash foliage, pupate, and emerge as in mid-summer. Detailed descriptions of , larval, and pupal stages are not available.

Behavior

are attracted to light. activity typical of sphingid .

Ecological Role

As a , contribute to in Madrean woodland . The is part of the ash-associated lepidopteran , which includes multiple feeders on Fraxinus.

Human Relevance

No direct economic or medical significance documented. The may be affected by emerald ash borer (Agrilus planipennis) that reduce availability, though this has not been specifically studied.

Similar Taxa

Ceratomia catalpaeSimilar size and , but associated with Catalpa trees rather than Fraxinus; more widespread across eastern and central North America.
Ceratomia undulosaSimilar size and , but with broader distribution across eastern North America; feed on ash but also other Oleaceae including lilac and privet with variable success.

More Details

Taxonomic history

Described by Ronald B. Hodges in 1971, representing one of several Ceratomia with restricted southwestern distributions.

Conservation context

Restricted to Madrean sky island , which are vulnerable to climate change, fire, and land use conversion. availability may be impacted by emerald ash borer, though this has not been documented specifically for this .