Elm Sphinx
ExploreInsects
Elm Sphinx
Ceratomia amyntor
The Elm Sphinx is a special moth that loves to visit flowers at night. It has beautiful green and brown wings that help it blend in with leaves during the day.
Habitat: Forests
Appearance
The Elm Sphinx is a large, stout-bodied moth with narrow, pointed forewings typically mottled in shades of brown and gray. Its forewings display wavy dark lines and a small white spot, while the hindwings are plainer grayish-brown. An inconspicuous 'eye spot' pattern can sometimes be seen.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderLepidopteraFamilySphingidaeGenusCeratomia
Category
InsectsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
Be the first to snap!
Interesting facts
Adult Elm Sphinx moths do not eat, living off energy stored as a caterpillar.
Before becoming a moth, the caterpillar burrows underground to transform into a pupa.
Elm Sphinx caterpillars have a fake 'horn' on their tail, but it's completely harmless!
These moths are strong flyers and can travel surprising distances across their habitat.
Special abilities
Ability
Darting Flight
The Elm Sphinx can fly incredibly fast because of its powerful wing muscles, which helps them evade predators.
Ability
Twig Mimicry
The Elm Sphinx caterpillar has a bumpy green body that helps them perfectly mimic twigs, camouflaging them from predators.
Ability
Nectar Sipper
The Elm Sphinx has a long, uncoiling proboscis that helps them sip nectar from deep flowers like a straw.
Measurements & details
- Wingspan
- 75-115 mm
- Size
- 30-40 mm
- Lifespan
- 7-14 days
- Flight Speed
- 35 km/h
- Leg Count
- 6
Diet & Feeding
As caterpillars, they munch on tree leaves; as adults, they don't eat anything!
Age differences: Only the caterpillar stage eats, feeding on tree leaves. Adults do not feed at all.
Primary Foods
- Ulmus species (Elm)
- Betula species (Birch)
- Tilia species (Basswood)
- Prunus species (Cherry)
Foraging Method
- Foraging
Ecological connections
eats
American Elm
Ulmus americana
Larvae feed on the leaves of this host tree.
eats
Paper Birch
Betula papyrifera
Caterpillars munch on the leaves of this common tree.
eaten by
Little Brown Bat
Myotis lucifugus
Adult moths are often hunted by these nocturnal predators.
eaten by
Blue Jay
Cyanocitta cristata
Both caterpillars and adult moths can become bird prey.
parasitizes
Braconid Wasp
Apanteles ceratomiae
Wasp larvae develop inside the Elm Sphinx caterpillar.
Traits
Camouflaged
Camouflaged describes organisms that possess coloring or patterns that allow them to blend into their environment.
Colorful
Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors.
Herbivorous
This trait characterizes organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of plant material.
Pollinator Magnet
Describes plants that are particularly attractive and beneficial to a wide range of pollinating organisms.
Forest
Forest habitats are terrestrial environments dominated by dense tree cover, supporting a high diversity of plant and animal life.
Speedster
This trait identifies organisms that exhibit exceptional swiftness in movement for hunting, escape, or travel.
Nocturnal
Nocturnal animals are primarily active during the nighttime hours, typically resting or sleeping during the day.
Pollinator
Describes organisms that transfer pollen, enabling the fertilization and reproduction of plants.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Don't touch moths or caterpillars, as some can be delicate or might not like being handled.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Elm Sphinx's wingspan?
75-115 mm
How big is Elm Sphinx?
30-40 mm
How long does Elm Sphinx live?
7-14 days
How fast can Elm Sphinx fly?
35 km/h
What does Elm Sphinx eat?
As caterpillars, they munch on tree leaves; as adults, they don't eat anything!
Where is Elm Sphinx usually found?
Forests
How does Elm Sphinx hunt?
Foraging
How many legs does Elm Sphinx have?
6
Snap Map
Zoom in to split clusters and explore where this object has been snapped.
Loading map…
Recent Snaps
Recent snaps will appear here as new observations are added.
_Tipula_paludosa_on_Iris_leave.jpg&width=800)
