Sphinx drupiferarum

Smith, 1797

wild cherry sphinx

Sphinx drupiferarum, the wild cherry sphinx, is a in the Sphingidae. 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 larvae feed on several woody plant including Prunus, Malus, and Celtis.

Sphinx drupiferarum, female, underside. United States, New Jersey, Hudson, Jersey City by The Trustees of the Natural History Museum, London. Used under a CC BY 3.0 license.

Sphinx drupiferarum, female, upperside. United States, New Jersey, Hudson, Jersey City by The Trustees of the Natural History Museum, London. Used under a CC BY 3.0 license.

Sphinx drupiferarum, male, upperside. Canada, Cypress Hills by The Trustees of the Natural History Museum, London. Used under a CC BY 3.0 license.

Pronunciation

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

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Identification

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

Images

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 wing from June to July. In the southern United States, two generations per year.

Diet

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

Host Associations

Prunus serotina - larval food plantwild cherry
Malus - larval food plantapple
Syringa vulgaris - larval food plantcommon lilac
Amelanchier nantuckensis - larval food plantNantucket serviceberry
Celtis occidentalis - larval food plantcommon hackberry

Life Cycle

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

Ecological Role

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

Human Relevance

Larvae 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 sphinx moths 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 American sphinx moths.

Conservation context

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