Sphinx drupiferarum

Smith, 1797

wild cherry sphinx

Sphinx drupiferarum, the wild cherry sphinx, is a in the . The was first described by James Edward Smith in 1797. It is found across temperate North America from the United States to southern Canada. The wingspan ranges from 75–115 mm. The feed on several including Prunus, Malus, and Celtis.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Sphinx drupiferarum: //ˈsfɪŋks druːˌpɪfɛˈreɪrəm//

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Identification

A large with wingspan 75–115 mm. Distinguished from similar Sphinx by geographic range and associations. The specific epithet drupiferarum (meaning 'bearing drupes') references its association with stone fruit trees in the Prunus. in June–July in Canada, with two in southern parts of the range.

Habitat

Temperate regions of North America. Associated with containing plants including wild cherry (Prunus serotina), apple (Malus), and hackberry (Celtis occidentalis).

Distribution

Temperate parts of the United States to southern Canada. Specific records include Alberta, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan in Canada, and Vermont in the United States.

Seasonality

In Canada, one per year with on from June to July. In the southern United States, two generations per year.

Diet

feed on Prunus (including Prunus serotina), Malus, Syringa vulgaris, Amelanchier nantuckensis, and Celtis occidentalis.

Host Associations

  • Prunus serotina - larval wild cherry
  • Malus - larval apple
  • Syringa vulgaris - larval common lilac
  • Amelanchier nantuckensis - larval Nantucket serviceberry
  • Celtis occidentalis - larval common hackberry

Life Cycle

In Canada, (one per year). In the southern United States, (two generations per year). occurs in soil.

Ecological Role

Larval on . likely serve as when feeding on nectar, though specific floral associations are not documented.

Human Relevance

feed on economically important fruit trees including cherry and apple, potentially causing damage in orchards, though not considered a major pest.

Similar Taxa

  • Sphinx kalmiaeBoth are ash-feeding with overlapping geographic range; S. kalmiae specializes on ash (Fraxinus) rather than Prunus and related
  • Sphinx chersisSimilar size and appearance; great ash sphinx feeds primarily on ash and lilac, with different larval preferences

More Details

Taxonomic history

First described by James Edward Smith in 1797, making it one of the earlier described North .

Conservation context

As a utilizing Prunus and Amelanchier, it may be affected by loss and changes in forest composition, though not currently considered at risk.

Tags

Sources and further reading