Ramsey County, Minnesota
Sphingidae

This page is inspired by and dedicated to Duane McDowell who sent a sighting of Hemaris diffinis from Roseville, August 16, 2005 and an image/sighting of Hyles lineata, August 9, 2005.

Twelve Sphingidae species are listed for Minnesota on the U.S.G.S. website. Not all of the species are reported or anticipated in Ramsey County (only four: Elm sphinx, Great ash sphinx, Ello sphinx, and White-lined sphinx, are reported on U.S.G.S.). It is hoped that this checklist, with the thumbnails and notes, will help you quickly identify the moths you are likely to encounter.

A "WO" after the species name indicates that I have no confirmed reports of this species in your county, but I (William Oehlke) expect that this moth is present or might be present. I have included many species not on the USGS list for Minnesota; I believe they are or might be present

A "USGS" indicates the moth is reported in Lepidoptera of North America, #1. Distribution of Silkmoths (Saturniidae) and Hawkmoths (Sphingidae) of Eastern North America, an excellent little booklet available through Paul Opler.

Please help me develop this list with improved, documented accuracy by sending sightings (species, date, location), preferably with an electronic image, via email to Bill Oehlke.

Sphinginae subfamily Sphingini tribe: Ceratomia amyntor USGS, the Elm Sphinx or Four-horned Sphinx This moth is officially recorded in Ramsey, but it has been taken in all surrounding states nearby and in Berkshire County. Larvae feed on Elm (Ulmus), birch (Betula), basswood (Tilia), and cherry (Prunus). Ceratomia undulosa WO, the Waved Sphinx This moth is not officially recorded in Ramsey County. It is named for the wavy lines on the forewings. Note black and white collar separating thorax from abdomen. Lapara bombycoides WO, the Northern Pine Sphinx Reported from northern Minnesota and central western Wisconisn, it might be present in Ramsey County. This is one we have on P.E.I. Manduca quinquemaculata WO the Five-spotted Hawkmoth This species is not recorded in Ramsey County, but, if you grow tomatoes, you have probably encountered it. Sphinx chersis USGS, the Northern Ash Sphinx or Great Ash Sphinx This species is recorded in Ramsey County. Larval hosts are ash, lilac, privet, cherry, and quaking aspen. Sphinx drupiferarum WO, the Wild Cherry Sphinx This species is not officially recorded, but it may be present. We have them on P.E.I., but I do not see them frequently. unlikely Sphinx poecila WO, the Poecila Sphinx If you have blueberries in the woods, then you might have the Poecila Sphinx. They are pretty common here on Prince Edward Island, but don't fly too far west of Wisconsin. Smerinthini Tribe: Amorpha juglandis WO, the Walnut Sphinx This moth is also fairly widely reported to the east and south and might be present. This is the first Sphinx species I reared as a boy in New Jersey. See the file for the female; she is different. Pachysphinx modesta WO the Modest Sphinx or Poplar Sphinx This moth is found in Canada and states east, south and west of Ramsey County, Minnesota, so it is probably present in Minnesota too. Paonias excaecata WO, the Blinded Sphinx Named for the dull grey-blue spot in the hindwing, this moth has a wide distribution and is possibly present in Ramsey County. I regularly see them on Prince Edward Island. Paonias myops WO, the Small-eyed Sphinx Named for the small eye-spot in the hindwing, this moth has a wide distribution and is probably present in Ramsey County. I regularly see them on Prince Edward Island, and they are reported as far south as Florida. Smerinthus cerisyi WO, the Cerisyi's Sphinx Reported in northern Minnesota, it might be present in Ramsey County also. At my home in Montague, P.E.I., Canada, they are quite common. Smerinthus jamaicensis WO, the Twin-spotted Sphinx This moth is widely distributed to the east, so it may be present in Ramsey County. Along the East Coast, it flies from P.E.I. to Florida. Macroglossinae subfamily Dilophonotini tribe: Erinnyis ello, the Ello Sphinx, USGS The abdomen has very distinct gray and black bands. Adults nectar at dusk so you may see them in the garen at that time. probably only as a stray Hemaris thysbe WO, the Hummingbird Clearwing This interesting day flier is not confirmed for Ramsey County. They are widely distributed in the east from P.E.I. to Florida. See Hemaris comparisons. Hemaris diffinis DM, the Snowberry Clearwing or Bumblebee Moth This moth is widely distributed and is confirmed by Duane McDowell for Ramsey County. See Hemaris comparison, August 16, 2005, Roseville, Duane McDowell. Macroglossini tribe: Amphion floridensis NJS/VS, the Nessus Sphinix This day flier is widely distributed. If you have Virginia Creeper, you might have the Nessus Sphinx. Two bright, distinct, narrow yellow bands are often visible on the abdomen. generally more southerly Amphion floridensis, nectaring at 5am, St. Paul, June 17, 2007, Neala J. Schleuning Amphion floridensis nectaring at lilacs, Arden Hills, June 14-19, 2008, Valerie Sweidan. Darapsa myron WO, the Virginia Creeper Sphinx or the Grapevine Sphinx This moth is not recorded on the U.S.G.S. site for Ramsey County, but is widely reported as far north as central Maine and west of Ramsey. If you have the foodplants indicated in the common names, you probably have this species nearby. Hyles gallii WO, the Bedstraw Hawk Moth or Gallium Sphinx This species is not reported in Minnesota, but I expect it is present. Some years I see them on P.E.I., some years, I do not. Hyles lineata USGS/DM, the White-lined Sphinx This species is recorded in Ramsey County. It is a strong migrator from the south, and there are records from the east and from the west.

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Please send sightings/images to Bill. I will do my best to respond to requests for identification help.