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Species Details
Sphinx drupiferarum
University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum Read more about this collection »
Common NameWild Cherry Sphinx
SeasonalityAdults have been collected in Alberta in late May and June.
IdentificationA very large (8.5-11.0 cm wingspan) narrow-winged heavy-bodied moth. The forewings are very dark grey or dull black. The leading edge, particularly the basal two-thirds, is sharply contrasting white or pale grey. The hindwings are black, crossed by a white median band and with a pale grey base and outer margin. The abdomen has a series of large black and white lateral spots. The dark blackish forewings with the contrasting pale leading edge will separate it from all other Alberta sphinx. The similar S. vashti and S. chersis are much paler grey. See also the female of S. luscitiosa.
Scientific Name
Sphinx drupiferarum
Common Name
Wild Cherry Sphinx
Habitat
Dry cherry shrubland and woodland edges.
Seasonality
Adults have been collected in Alberta in late May and June.
Identification
A very large (8.5-11.0 cm wingspan) narrow-winged heavy-bodied moth. The forewings are very dark grey or dull black. The leading edge, particularly the basal two-thirds, is sharply contrasting white or pale grey. …
A very large (8.5-11.0 cm wingspan) narrow-winged heavy-bodied moth. The forewings are very dark grey or dull black. The leading edge, particularly the basal two-thirds, is sharply contrasting white or pale grey. The hindwings are black, crossed by a white median band and with a pale grey base and outer margin. The abdomen has a series of large black and white lateral spots. The dark blackish forewings with the contrasting pale leading edge will separate it from all other Alberta sphinx. The similar S. vashti and S. chersis are much paler grey. See also the female of S. luscitiosa.
Life History
The adults are nocturnal and come to light. There is a single brood, which overwinter as pupae.
Conservation
Uncommon in Alberta. No reason for concerns.
Diet Info
No Alberta data. Elsewhere reported to use apple (Malus), plum and wild cherries (Prunus sp.), saskatoon (Amelanchier), cranberry (Vaccinium), hackberry (Celtis) and lilac (Syringa).
Range
Widespread in eastern North America, from Newfoundland south to Georgia and Arkansas, west to interior BC. It has been collected in east central Alberta, between the Battle and Red Deer Rivers, west to Red Deer and…
Widespread in eastern North America, from Newfoundland south to Georgia and Arkansas, west to interior BC. It has been collected in east central Alberta, between the Battle and Red Deer Rivers, west to Red Deer and south through Dry Island Provincial Park.
Citation
Page Citation for Sphinx drupiferarum
Page Citation
"Species Details - Sphinx drupiferarum, University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum." University of Alberta Museums Search Site, https://search.museums.ualberta.ca/g/2-579/9-87470. Accessed 02 Jan. 2025.
References
Author
McGugan, B. M.
Title
Papilionidae - Arctiidae
Publication Date
1958
Series Title
Forest Lepidoptera of Canada
Volume
1
Pages
76
Author
Hodges, R. W.
Title
Sphingoidea : hawkmoths
Publication Date
1971
Specimen Information
There are 9 specimens of this Species.
UASM9144 - Sphinx drupiferarum
University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum
Place CollectedCanada: Alberta, Red Deer
Collected ByBowman, K.
Date Collected1916-06-28
UASM24611 - Sphinx drupiferarum
University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum
Place CollectedCanada: Alberta, Tolman Bridge Provincial Recreational Area
Collected ByPike, Edward Marshall
Date Collected1991-05-17
BIRD1989 - Sphinx drupiferarum
University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum
Place CollectedCanada: Alberta, Dry Island Buffalo Jump Provincial Park
Collected ByBird, C. D.
Date Collected2003-06-27
BIRD5882 - Sphinx drupiferarum
University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum
Place CollectedCanada: Alberta, Big Knife Provincial Park
Collected ByBird, C. D.
Date Collected2004-05-27
UASM57142 - Sphinx drupiferarum
University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum
Place CollectedCanada: Alberta, Edgerton
Collected ByAnweiler, G. G.
Date Collected2004-06-01
UASM57143 - Sphinx drupiferarum
University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum
Place CollectedCanada: Alberta, Edgerton
Collected ByAnweiler, G. G.
Date Collected2004-06-01
UASM57144 - Sphinx drupiferarum
University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum
Place CollectedCanada: Alberta, Edgerton
Collected ByAnweiler, G. G.
Date Collected2004-06-01
JD2176 - Sphinx drupiferarum
University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum
Place CollectedCanada: British Columbia, Tranquille Ecological Reserve
Collected ByDombroskie, J. J.; Whitehouse, C.
Date Collected2007-05-31
UASM187356 - Sphinx drupiferarum
University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum
Place CollectedCanada: British Columbia, Tranquille Ecological Reserve
Collected ByDombroskie, J. J.; Whitehouse, C.
Date Collected2007-05-31