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Waved sphinx

Waved sphinx

Ceratomia undulosa

A species of Ceratomia

The waved sphinx (Ceratomia undulosa) is named after this due to the coloring and pattern of its wings and body. Their brown and tan bodies resemble what you may think of as an aged sphinx from Egyptian times. After their larva is done initially eating, they are known to dig underground to reach the pupal stage.

General Info About Waved sphinx
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Attributes of Waved sphinx
Habitat
forested and open area
Adult Food Sources
Nectar from evening-primrose, nectar from honeysuckle, nectar from jasmine, nectar from petunia, nectar from flowering tobacco
Larva Food Source
Leaves of fraxinus species (ash), leaves of syringa species (lilac), leaves of ulmus species (elm), leaves of ligustrum species (privet), leaves of quercus species (oak)
Biting/stinging
Not reported
Allergy-causing
Not reported
Defensive attack
Not reported
Venomous
Not reported
Non-poisonous
The Waved sphinx is non-toxic and generally doesn't pose a risk to human health. No need for excessive worry.
Borer
Not reported
Pollinator
The Waved 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 Waved 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
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Life Cycle of Waved sphinx
Egg At this stage, the insect exists as a small, ovular egg, often laid on the underside of leaves. The egg's coloration camouflages it within the environment to protect it from predators.
Larva Upon hatching, the larva of waved sphinx is worm-like, with a soft exoskeleton and a strong appetite for host plant leaves. It grows rapidly, shedding its skin multiple times.
Pupal After accumulating enough energy and mass, the larva encases itself in a chrysalis, commencing metamorphosis. Inside, it reorganizes into an entirely new form, a process hidden and protected from the outside environment.
Adult Emerging from the pupa, the adult waved sphinx's development is marked by the presence of wings and functional reproductive organs. The body is fully formed and hardened, and the adult is mobile, focusing on reproduction.
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Adult Size of Waved sphinx
8 - 11 cm
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Predators of Waved sphinx Larvae
Birds, rodents, wasps, spiders
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Predators of Adult Waved sphinx
Bats, birds, rodents, spiders
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Interesting Facts About Waved sphinx
The waved sphinx has a unique survival tactic, simulating a leaf's vein patterns on its wings for camouflage when at rest.
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Scientific Classification of Waved sphinx
Tips for Finding Waved sphinx
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How Can You Attract Waved sphinx
As waved sphinx caterpillars feed on leaves, potential food traps could include host plants such as ash, lilac, or privet.
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Habitat Preferences of Waved sphinx Through Different Life Stages
The eggs of waved sphinx are typically found on the underside of leaves of their host plants, which include various trees and shrubs, particularly hawthorn and hornbeam. As caterpillars, they inhabit the foliage of their host plants, camouflaged and feeding on the leaves. Searching for the caterpillars involves examining the leaves for signs of feeding or for the caterpillars themselves, which can be well-hidden. Pupae may be located underground or in leaf litter near the base of the host plants, requiring careful searching through soil or detritus. Adult waved sphinx, being nocturnal, are often found near sources of light or on their host plants after dark.
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When is the Best Time to Observe Waved sphinx
The best time to find waved sphinx is during their active periods; adult waved sphinx are typically more active at dusk, while the caterpillar stage may be observed during daylight hours when they are feeding.
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What is the Best Weather to Observe Waved sphinx
Calm, warm evenings with little to no wind are ideal conditions for observing adult waved sphinx as they are primarily nocturnal and are sensitive to temperature and wind.
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How and Where Can You Find Waved sphinx at Different Life Stages
Egg Eggs of waved sphinx are laid on the underside of host plant leaves and can be found by carefully inspecting these plants, particularly ash, lilac, or privet.
Larva Waved sphinx larvae, or caterpillars, can be located by searching for them on their host plants where they actively feed. Look for signs of feeding such as holes in leaves or frass (caterpillar droppings).
Pupal Pupae of waved sphinx can be difficult to find as they are often in the soil or in a sheltered location near the host plant. Look for them by gently sifting through leaf litter or soil around the base of host plants.
Adult Adult waved sphinx can be found resting on the bark of trees or flying near sources of light at night. They can be attracted using lights or pheromone traps set up at dusk.
Are Waved sphinx harmful?
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Harmful Effects of Waved sphinx
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Agricultural Pests

Waved sphinx larvae feed on corn leaves, leading to defoliation. Minor infestations reduce photosynthesis, while severe cases can strip plants bare, hindering growth. This pest's activity may result in yield loss and affect the farming economy.

More Effects of Waved sphinx

Beneficial Effects of Waved sphinx
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Pollinator
Pollinator
Attract Plant Feature
Color, Shape
Pollination Behavior Reason
Eat Pollen Or Nectar
Waved sphinx is a nocturnal pollinator, attracted to flowers primarily through their color and shape. While seeking nectar, they inadvertently collect and transfer pollen, contributing to the pollination of various plants, particularly fruit trees and roses.
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