# Laurel Sphinx (*sphinx kalmiae*) The Laurel Sphinx is a beautiful moth known for its striking colors and unique shape. These fascinating insects are often seen fluttering around night-blooming flowers. - **Category:** [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/insect) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 0/5 · No known danger - **Habitat:** Laurel Sphinx moths are commonly found in gardens, forests, and areas with plenty of flowering plants. - **Also known as:** Kalmia Sphinx, Laurel Moth ![Laurel Sphinx](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Redirect/file/Sphinx_kalmiae_MHNT_CUT_2010_0_145_Wakefield_Canada_male.jpg&width=800) Photo: Didier Descouens, CC BY-SA 4.0 · [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Sphinx_kalmiae_MHNT_CUT_2010_0_145_Wakefield_Canada_male.jpg) ## Appearance The Laurel Sphinx has impressive mottled grey and brown forewings, often with a hint of pink or purple near the body. Its smaller hindwings are dark brown with two lighter bands. It stands out with its large, robust body and sleek, aerodynamic shape. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Arthropoda - **Class:** Insecta - **Order:** Lepidoptera - **Family:** Sphingidae - **Genus:** Sphinx ## Interesting facts - Its caterpillar has a spiky 'horn' on its tail, but it's harmless! - Laurel Sphinx caterpillars love to munch on leaves from lilac and ash trees. - Some adult Laurel Sphinx moths don't even have mouths to eat! - These large moths can sometimes be mistaken for hummingbirds as they feed. ## Special abilities - **Hover Power:** Laurel Sphinx can hover perfectly mid-air like a hummingbird because of its rapid wing beats that help them sip nectar. - **Stealth Camouflage:** Laurel Sphinx caterpillars have a stick-like appearance and diagonal stripes that help them blend into branches, hiding from predators. - **Night Navigator:** Laurel Sphinx has excellent night vision because of its large eyes that help them find flowers and mates in the dark. ## Measurements & details - **Wingspan:** 70-110 mm - **Size:** 50-70 mm - **Lifespan:** 42-60 days - **Flight Speed:** 40 km/h - **Leg Count:** 6 ## Diet & Feeding Caterpillars munch on leaves, while adult moths sip sweet nectar from flowers! - **Age differences:** Yes, caterpillars eat plant leaves, while adults only drink flower nectar. - **Primary Foods:** Syringa vulgaris leaves, Fraxinus americana leaves, Ligustrum vulgare leaves, Prunus serotina leaves, Kalmia latifolia leaves - **Foraging Method:** Foraging ## Ecological connections - **Eats:** [Lilac](https://www.snappit.app/explore/lilac) (*Syringa vulgaris*) — Caterpillars munch its leaves. - **Eats:** [White Ash](https://www.snappit.app/explore/white-ash) (*Fraxinus americana*) — A favorite host plant for hungry caterpillars. - **Eaten by:** [Little Brown Bat](https://www.snappit.app/explore/little-brown-bat) (*Myotis lucifugus*) — Bats are nocturnal predators of adult moths. - **Eaten by:** [Eastern Bluebird](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-bluebird) (*Sialia sialis*) — Birds eat caterpillars and adult moths. ## Traits - [Solitary](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/solitary): Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care. - [Camouflaged](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/camouflaged): Camouflaged describes organisms that possess coloring or patterns that allow them to blend into their environment. - [Colorful](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/colorful): Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors. - [Nocturnal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/nocturnal): Nocturnal animals are primarily active during the nighttime hours, typically resting or sleeping during the day. - [Pollinator](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/pollinator): Describes organisms that transfer pollen, enabling the fertilization and reproduction of plants. ## Collections - [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/insects) ## Safety **Danger:** 0/5 · No known danger No special safety notes yet. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How to identify Laurel Sphinx? Compare resting wing shape, forewing markings, antennae and body build. Small brown moths can hinge on fine details a phone photo can't always catch. Moth Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details. ### What is Laurel Sphinx's wingspan? 70-110 mm ### How big is Laurel Sphinx? 50-70 mm ### How long does Laurel Sphinx live? 42-60 days ### How fast can Laurel Sphinx fly? 40 km/h ### What does Laurel Sphinx eat? Caterpillars munch on leaves, while adult moths sip sweet nectar from flowers! ### Where is Laurel Sphinx usually found? Laurel Sphinx moths are commonly found in gardens, forests, and areas with plenty of flowering plants. ### How does Laurel Sphinx hunt? Foraging ## Where to spot - [Raglan Road Park](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/raglan-road-park) — Virginia, US · Park ## More Insects - [Common Eastern Bumble Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/common-eastern-bumble-bee) (*Bombus impatiens*) - [Spotted Lanternfly](https://www.snappit.app/explore/spotted-lanternfly) (*Lycorma delicatula*) - [Brown-belted Bumble Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/brown-belted-bumble-bee) (*Bombus griseocollis*) - [Eastern Carpenter Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-carpenter-bee) (*Xylocopa virginica*) --- Source: [Laurel Sphinx: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/laurel-sphinx)