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Walnut sphinx

Walnut sphinx

Amorpha juglandis

A species of Amorpha, Also known as Sphinx moth

The walnut sphinx (Amorpha juglandis) is incredibly variable, as its wings can be all one color or a variety of colors. This beautiful moth also has some weirdness in its younger days. Its caterpillar form has been known to "whistle" to ward of predators. They do this using air holes that can be found in their abdomen.

General Info About Walnut sphinx
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Attributes of Walnut sphinx
Colors
Brown
White
Pink
Habitat
woodland
Adult Food Sources
Wild bergamot (monarda fistulosa), phlox, lilac (syringa spp.), honeysuckle (lonicera spp.), various flowering plants
Larva Food Source
Walnut (juglans spp.), hickory (carya spp.), pecan (carya illinoinensis), persimmon (diospyros spp.), sumac (rhus spp.)
Biting/stinging
Not reported
Allergy-causing
Not reported
Pollinator
The Walnut sphinx is often found near the corolla, where its fluffy hairs easily pick up pollen, assisting in the pollination of the plant.
Pest-Eating Predatory
Not reported
Phytophagous
The Walnut sphinx feeds on plants, usually without causing significant harm. However, it's important to take the situation seriously if their numbers begin to increase significantly.
Predatory
Not reported
Biting animal or pet
Not reported
Mouthparts Type
Siphoning mouthparts
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Appearance of Walnut sphinx
The wingspan is 4.5 - 8 cm.
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How to Identify Walnut sphinx?

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Life Cycle of Walnut sphinx
Egg The eggs of walnut sphinx are laid singly or in clusters, typically on the underside of leaves. They are small and may vary in color, often matching the foliage to escape predators.
Larva As a caterpillar, walnut sphinx exhibits a tubular body with a well-developed head and chewing mouthparts. It's primarily focused on feeding and growth, molting several times, with changes in coloration and pattern.
Pupal In the pupal stage, walnut sphinx is encased within a chrysalis. During this time of transformation, it’s immobile and vulnerable. The body reorganizes drastically, transitioning from larva to adult.
Adult Emerging from the pupa, the adult walnut sphinx exhibits distinct wings and functional reproductive organs. Its exoskeleton is hardened, and patterns are established. The adult seeks mates and nectar sources.
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Adult Size of Walnut sphinx
4.5 - 7 cm
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Predators of Walnut sphinx Larvae
Birds, rodents, wasps, ants, spiders
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Predators of Adult Walnut sphinx
Bats, birds, spiders, praying mantises
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Interesting Facts About Walnut sphinx
When threatened, larvae of walnut sphinx contort into a shape resembling bird droppings, a unique camouflage rarely showcased in lepidopterans.
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Scientific Classification of Walnut sphinx
Tips for Finding Walnut sphinx
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Youth Habitat of Walnut sphinx
Forests and Woodlands, Agricultural and Cultivated Areas, Urban and Suburban Areas
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Habitat Preferences of Walnut sphinx Through Different Life Stages
To study the stages of walnut sphinx's development, explore deciduous woodlands for eggs on the underside of host leaves. For larvae, search the foliage of walnut, hickory, and other hardwoods. Pupae are typically underground or in leaf litter, so inspect these areas carefully. Adults are nocturnal and attracted to lights, so they may be found near artificial light sources after dusk.
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When is the Best Time to Observe Walnut sphinx
The best time to find walnut sphinx caterpillars are late spring to early fall when larvae are active. Adults are typically more active during dusk and nighttime hours.
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What is the Best Weather to Observe Walnut sphinx
It is ideal to search for walnut sphinx during mild, humid, and calm weather conditions as extreme temperatures and precipitation can limit their activity.
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How and Where Can You Find Walnut sphinx at Different Life Stages
Egg Walnut sphinx eggs are laid individually or in small groups on the undersides of leaves of the host plant. To find them, inspect the leaves of known host plants, focusing on the underside and near the veins.
Larva Walnut sphinx caterpillars are often found feeding on their host plant leaves. Look for signs of feeding damage, frass (caterpillar droppings), or the larvae themselves on or under the leaves.
Pupal Walnut sphinx pupae may be underground or in a sheltered location near the host plant. To find them, carefully sift through soil or leaf litter beneath the host plants without disturbing the environment too much.
Adult Walnut sphinx adults are nocturnal and are usually attracted to light sources. Setting up an external light source outside in a garden or near natural foliage in the evening will often draw them in for easier observation.
Are Walnut sphinx harmful?
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Harmful Effects of Walnut sphinx
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Hurt Plant

The larvae of walnut sphinx, while feeding on the leaves of walnut and butternut trees, chew through plant tissues. This defoliation leads to a reduction in photosynthetic area, impairing plant growth and potentially weakening the trees, which can make them more susceptible to environmental stresses and secondary pests.

More Effects of Walnut sphinx

Beneficial Effects of Walnut sphinx
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Pollinator
Pollinator
Prefer Plant Type
Asteraceae, Fruit Trees
Attract Plant Feature
Color, Shape
Walnut sphinx has specialized mouthparts evolved to suck the nectar from deep within flowers, inadvertently collecting pollen on their bodies. As they move from flower to flower seeking more nectar, they become effective pollinators, especially for night-blooming plants.
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