Great Ash Sphinx Moth

JM Perez By JM Perez1 min read2.9K views

As I was collecting leaves from my Raywood Ash tree a couple of weeks ago to feed the Hummingbird Moth Caterpillar we were raising in a kit, I spotted something slightly different on a leave.

Its life cycle is similar to the one of the Hummingbird Moth.

Hummingbird Hawk-Moth Life Cycle.
Image Source: AnimalBook.org.

On a closer inspection I realized it was a caterpillar similar to the tomato caterpillar. I later found that it was a Great Ash Sphinx Moth Caterpillar (Sphinx Chersis).

Great Ash Sphinx Moth Caterpillar (Sphinx Chersis).
Great Ash Sphinx Moth Caterpillar (Sphinx Chersis).

Notice what will be the future proboscis at the top of the chrysalis.

Great Ash Sphinx Moth Caterpillar (Transition).
Great Ash Sphinx Moth Caterpillar (Transition).

The first Great Ash Sphinx Moth emerged from its chrysalis approximately three and a half weeks later. Click here to learn more about this Moth.

Great Ash Sphinx Moth.
Great Ash Sphinx Moth.

Another thrilling experience for my kids.

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