Sphinx chersis — Great Ash Sphinx

(Hübner, 1823)

Hodges# 7802

Etymology

Sphinx: Named for the resemblance of the caterpillars to an Egyptian Sphinx.

Chersis: Named from the Greek chers meaning “dry land.”

Pronunciation

Sfinks CHER-sihs

Other Common Names

Pennant Marked Sphinx, Northen Ash Sphinx, and Chersis Sphinx

Documented Occurrences

This map shows the confirmed sightings of the Great Ash Sphinx in Indiana. All sightings were confirmed through photographic documentation by individuals who contributed to the Great American IN Nature Lepidoptera Project (GAIN LP).

GAIN LP Sightings

Date	County	Observer	Notes	Image1	Image2
2018-06-14	Harrison	Brengman, Jacie	Caterpillar

Observation Details	Images
Date: 2018-06-14 County: Harrison Observer: Brengman, Jacie Notes: Caterpillar

Sphinx chersis Sightings by Month

Notes

Great Ash Sphinx seems to be in decline in its range and lepidopterists are reporting fewer of them in the last few decades.

Conservation Status

• Global status: G4 (secure)

Reasons: “As this species is currently defined, it is or was the most widespread of the North American ash-feeding Sphingidae. However it has become quite rare to undetectable in recent decades in about the southeastern quarter (or more) of the range. As with all of the ash-feeding Sphingidae unless the Emerald Ash borer is controlled, Sphinx chersis is among the several Sphingidae at risk of extirpation over very large areas, and of extinction if that pest establishes range-wide.”

• National status: N4/N5 (apparently secure/secure)
• Indiana status: NR (not ranked)

Floral Associates

The Great Ash Sphinx caterpillars host on a variety of trees and shrubs but seem to prefer plants in the Olive (Oleaceae) family. Adult moths feed on nectar.

Known Larval Food Sources in Indiana
Family	Taxonomic Name	Common Name
Order: Cornales
Cornaceae	Cornus spp.	dogwoods
Order: Fagales
Betulaceae	Betula spp.	birches
Order: Gentianales
Rubiaceae	Gardenia spp.	gardenias
Order: Lamiales
Oleaceae	Chionanthus virginicus	fringetree
	Fraxinus spp.	ashes
	Ligustrum spp.	privets
	Syringa spp.	lilacs
Order: Rosales
Rosaceae	Prunus spp.	cherries
Order: Salicales
Salicaceae	Populus spp.	poplars