This site has been created by Bill Oehlke at oehlkew@islandtelecom.com
Comments, suggestions and/or additional information are welcomed by Bill.

TAXONOMY: Family: Sphingidae Subfamily: Sphinginae Genus: Sphinx (Linnaeus, 1758) Species: drupiferarum (J.E. Smith, 1797)........

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DISTRIBUTION:

Sphinx drupiferarum, the Wild Cherry Sphinx (tongue length 52+-11 mm), is distributed throughout North America from southern Canada to northern Florida.

In the last four years on Prince Edward Island, I have only come across one male at a light; I have yet to see a live female here.

FLIGHT TIMES:

In Canada, Sphinx drupiferarum is single-brooded with most adults (wingspan 75-115 mm) on the wing in June and July. In New Jersey and states of that latitiude, drupiferarum is double-brooded.

ECLOSION:

Wild cherry Sphinx pupae wiggle to the surface from subterranean chambers just prior to eclosion.

SCENTING AND MATING:

Sphinx drupiferarum females call in males with a pheromone released from a scent gland at the posterior tip of the abdomen.

EGGS, LARVAE, PUPAE:

Sphinx drupiferarum larvae hide in the day and feed primarily on cherry, plum, and apple at night. Image courtesy of David Wagner.

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