Ceratomia: Combines the Greek words cero meaning “horn” and tomia meaning “to cut.”
Amyntor: A Greek word meaning “defender.”
Pronunciation
Seer-a-TOHM-ee-uh ah-MIN-tor
Other Common Names
Four-Horned Sphinx
Documented Occurrences
This map shows the confirmed sightings of the Elm Sphinx in Indiana. All sightings were confirmed through photographic documentation by individuals who contributed to the Great American IN Nature Lepidoptera Project (GAIN LP).
The Elm Sphinx caterpillar assumes the typical sphinx-like posture with its head and true-legs reared back above its abdomen in a defensive posture when resting and especially when agitated.
Conservation Status
Global status: G5 (secure)
National status: N4N5 (apparently secure/secure)
Indiana status: NR (not ranked)
Floral Associates
Elm Sphinx caterpillars host on a small variety of trees, but specifically American Basswood (Tilia americana) and the Elm (Ulmus) genus. Adults likely do not feed.
Known Larval Food Sources in Indiana
Family
Taxonomic Name
Common Name
Order: Fabales
Fabaceae
Robinia spp.
locusts
Order: Fagales
Betulaceae
Betula spp.
birches
Fagaceae
Fagus grandifolia
American beech
Quercus spp.
oaks
Order: Lamiales
Oleaceae
Fraxinus spp.
ashes
Order: Malvales
Tiliaceae
Tilia americana
American basswood
Order: Rosales
Rosaceae
Prunus spp.
cherries
Ulmaceae
Ulmus spp.
elms
Copyright 2024 Indiana Nature LLC. All Rights Reserved.