Ash-specialist
Guides
Ceratomia undulosa
Waved Sphinx, Scorpion Moth
Ceratomia undulosa, commonly known as the waved sphinx, is a North American hawk moth (family Sphingidae) first described by Francis Walker in 1856. The species is notable for its specialized relationship with ash trees (Fraxinus) as a primary larval host, making it vulnerable to population declines following the spread of the emerald ash borer. Adults are strictly nocturnal and hide before dawn. The alternative common name "Scorpion Moth" stems from a misconception: the Guiana Striped Scorpion commonly preys on the moth's egg clusters, leading to erroneous beliefs that the moths give birth to scorpions.
Marmara fraxinicola
Marmara fraxinicola is a micro-moth in the family Gracillariidae, first described by Braun in 1922. The species is known from northeastern North America, with records from Québec, Canada, and the U.S. states of Ohio, Vermont, and New York. It has one generation per year and is a specialist stem-miner of ash trees (Fraxinus species).
Palpita magniferalis
splendid palpita snout moth, ash pyralid, ash leafroller
Palpita magniferalis is a small crambid moth native to eastern North America. Adults are active from spring through fall, with a wingspan of 23–27 mm. The larvae are specialized feeders on Fraxinus (ash) species, giving rise to the common name 'ash leafroller.' The species is sometimes confused with Palpita guttulosa, which some authors treat as a distinct species.
Sphinx
sphinx moth, hawk moth, hummingbird moth
Sphinx is a genus of moths in the family Sphingidae, first described by Linnaeus in 1758. These moths are commonly known as sphinx moths, hawk moths, or hummingbird moths due to their rapid, hovering flight and large size. The genus includes several ash-specialist species that have become conservation concerns due to decline of their host trees from emerald ash borer infestation. The name derives from the caterpillar's defensive posture when disturbed—rearing up with head retracted, resembling the Egyptian sphinx.
Sphinx chersis
Great Ash Sphinx, Northern Ash Sphinx
Sphinx chersis is a large sphinx moth commonly known as the great ash sphinx or northern ash sphinx. Adults are active from May to August in southern regions and June to July in northern areas. The species is an ash specialist whose larvae feed on plants in the olive family (Oleaceae), particularly ash (Fraxinus), lilac (Syringa), and privet (Ligustrum). Research indicates that while larvae can develop on some non-native host plants, survival and development rates vary significantly compared to native ash.
Sphinx franckii
Franck's Sphinx, Franck's Sphinx Moth
Sphinx franckii is a large sphinx moth native to eastern North America, first described by Berthold Neumoegen in 1893. Adults have a wingspan of 100–128 mm and are active primarily at dusk and early morning. The species shows strong fidelity to ash trees as native larval hosts but has adapted to use ornamental lilac in suburban settings. Northern populations have a single generation annually, while southern populations may produce a partial second generation.
Sphinx kalmiae
laurel sphinx
Sphinx kalmiae, commonly known as the laurel sphinx, is a hawkmoth in the family Sphingidae. The species was named by James Edward Smith after Kalmia, the plant on which its caterpillar was first observed. It is an ash-specialist moth whose larvae feed on several host plants including ash, lilac, and mountain laurel. The species faces conservation concerns due to the decline of ash trees from emerald ash borer invasion.