Sphinx: Named for the resemblence of the caterpillars to an Egyptian Sphinx.
Kalmiae: Named for the famous Swedish botanist Pehr (Peter) Kalm who was one of the Apostles of Linnaeus, a group of students approved and chosen by Carl Linnaeus to assist him on zoological and botanical collections throughout the world. Linnaeus eventually named the genus Kalmia, commmonly called Laurels, for Peter Kalm.
Sfinks Kal-my-ee
Fawn Sphinx
This map shows the confirmed sightings of the Laurel Sphinx in Indiana. All sightings were confirmed through photographic documentation by individuals who contributed to the Great American IN Nature Lepidoptera Project (GAIN LP).
GAIN LP documented in county. |
Reasons: “This species is still common in much of its range and while it did decline in the northeastern US like most large summer caterpillars in the mid 20th century, it did not disappear. As of 2013 it is not rare from New Jersey westward. However, as with all of the ash-feeding Sphingidae this rank does not account for possible impacts of the emerald Ash Borer. Unless that pest is controlled this will be among the several Sphingidae that will be drastically reduced and may be at risk of extinction in the next few decades. Rank Calculator also gives a rank of G5. for now this moth is secure in most or all of its range.”
Laurel Sphinx caterpillars feed on a variety of trees and shrubs including their namesake Laurels (Kalmia spp.), but they are said to be being particularly fond of plants in the Olive (Oleaceae) family.
Adult moths feed on nectar.
Known Larval Food Sources in Indiana | ||
Family | Taxonomic Name | Common Name |
---|---|---|
Order: Aquifoliales | ||
Aquifoliaceae | Ilex spp. | hollies |
Order: Dipsicales | ||
Caprifoliaceae | Diervilla spp. | honeysuckles |
Order: Ericales | ||
Ericaceae | Gaylussacia spp. | huckleberries |
Kalmia latifiolia | mountain laurel | |
Rhododendron spp. | azaleas and rhododendrons | |
Order: Fagales | ||
Betulaceae | Betula spp. | birches |
Order: Lamiales | ||
Oleaceae | Chionanthus virginicus | fringetree |
Fraxinus spp. | ashes | |
Ligustrum spp. | privets | |
Syringa spp. | lilacs | |
Order: Rosales | ||
Rosaceae | Malus spp. | apples and crabapples |
Prunus spp. | cherries | |
Order: Salicales | ||
Salicaceae | Populus spp. | poplars |