Waved Sphinx
ExploreInsects
Waved Sphinx
Ceratomia undulosa
The Waved Sphinx is a special moth that looks like a tiny dragon! It has beautiful wavy patterns on its wings and loves to fly around flowers at night.
Habitat: Urban areas
Appearance
The Waved Sphinx is a large, gray moth with intricate wavy black lines across its forewings, perfectly mimicking tree bark. Its robust body is also gray, contrasting with plain gray hindwings. This excellent camouflage helps it blend seamlessly into its environment.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderLepidopteraFamilySphingidaeGenusCeratomia
Category
InsectsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Adult Waved Sphinx moths never eat solid food!
Its large green caterpillar has a unique pointy horn on its rear!
The caterpillar burrows underground to transform into a moth!
This amazing moth can even fly backwards, just like a hummingbird!
Special abilities
Ability
Bark Blending
Waved Sphinx can disappear against tree bark because its wavy gray patterns perfectly mimic tree textures, helping it hide from predators.
Ability
Nectar Nuzzle
Waved Sphinx has a long, coiled proboscis that helps it reach sweet nectar deep inside flowers while hovering like a tiny helicopter.
Ability
Night Navigator
Waved Sphinx can find flowers and mates in the dark using its keen sense of smell and large eyes, allowing it to be active at night.
Measurements & details
- Wingspan
- 80-120 mm
- Size
- 30-45 mm
- Lifespan
- 7-14 days
- Flight Speed
- 35 km/h
- Leg Count
- 6
Diet & Feeding
Caterpillars munch on tree leaves; adult moths sip sweet flower nectar.
Age differences: Caterpillars eat tree and shrub leaves, while adult moths only drink flower nectar.
Primary Foods
- Ash leaves
- Lilac leaves
- Privet leaves
- Flower nectar
Foraging Method
- Foraging
Ecological connections
eats
White Ash
Fraxinus americana
Caterpillars feed on its leaves.
eats
Common Lilac
Syringa vulgaris
Caterpillars feed on its leaves.
parasitizes
Parasitic Wasp
Cotesia congregata
Wasps lay eggs on caterpillars.
eaten by
Little Brown Bat
Myotis lucifugus
Bats hunt adult moths at night.
Traits
Solitary
Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care.
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.
Speedster
This trait identifies organisms that exhibit exceptional swiftness in movement for hunting, escape, or travel.
Urban Friendly
This habitat trait indicates species that can coexist with humans in urban and suburban environments, utilizing man-made structures and green spaces.
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
Moths are usually harmless, but it's best to watch them from a distance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Waved Sphinx's wingspan?
80-120 mm
How big is Waved Sphinx?
30-45 mm
How long does Waved Sphinx live?
7-14 days
How fast can Waved Sphinx fly?
35 km/h
What does Waved Sphinx eat?
Caterpillars munch on tree leaves; adult moths sip sweet flower nectar.
Where is Waved Sphinx usually found?
Urban areas
How does Waved Sphinx hunt?
Foraging
How many legs does Waved Sphinx have?
6
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