Sphinx kalmiae
Sphinx kalmiae (Laurel Sphinx). In spite of the name, this moth has no association with laurels (Kalmia spp.). The species epithet comes from Peter Kalm after whom the moth was named by J. E. Smith in 1797. Larvae of Sphinx kalmiae eat the leaves of ash (Fraxinus) and will also eat the leaves of lilac (Syringa) both of which belong to the olive family (Oleaceae).
The Laurel Sphinx is a moth of the Sphingidae family. It is found in the temperate parts of the United States and southern Canada east of the Great Plains, in the north it occurs west of the Rocky Mountains.
The wingspan is 75–103 mm.
In Canada, there is one generation per year with adults on wing in June and July. More to the south, there are two generations per year with adults on wing from late May to June and again from July to August. There may be as many as six generations.. more
