Waved Sphinx
Ceratomia undulosa (Walker) (Sphingidae)

L.L. Hyche, Associate Professor
Department of Entomology & Plant Pathology
Auburn University
11/2001

The waved sphinx occurs throughout much of the eastern United States. The caterpillar (Photo 1) feeds on foliage of ash, lilac, fringe-tree, and privet.

Life Cycle, Description, and Habits

The insect overwinters as a pupa in the soil; adults emerge in spring. The adult (Photo 2) is a large moth, wingspan of 80-100 mm. Front wings are brownish gray with a conspicuous white spot and black wavy lines across. Hind wings are gray with darker shading toward the margins.

The full-grown hornworm (Photo 1) is 60-70 mm long. The head is bluish green with a pair of broad, light-colored vertical stripes. The body is green marked with seven yellowish oblique stripes slanting rearward. Spiracles are orange, and the horn is generally reddish. Caterpillars are usually found during May-June-early July. Fully grown hornworms have been collected in the Auburn area as early as mid-June; caterpillars pupated in the soil, and adults emerged in two to three weeks. Apparently, a second brood occurs in this area.

Occurrence, Damage, Importance

Waved sphinx caterpillars are solitary feeders. Specimens are usually few and widely scattered. Ash seems to be the most common host tree in our area. Caterpillar color closely matches that of ash foliage, thus specimens are often overlooked until missing and ragged leaves reveal their presence. Lost of foliage is not usually severe enough to injure trees.

For additional information lhyche@acesag.auburn.edu

[ Sphingidae ]   [ Lepidoptera ]   [ Foliage Feeders ]   [ Crown Insects ]   [ Alabama Trees ]

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