Sphinx kalmiae — Laurel Sphinx

J.E. Smith 1797

Hodges# 7809

Etymology

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

Kalmiae: Named for the famous Swedish botanist Pehr (Peter) Kalm who was one of the Apostles of Linnaeus, a group of students approved and chosen by Carl Linnaeus to assist him on zoological and botanical collections throughout the world. Linnaeus eventually named the genus Kalmia, commmonly called Laurels, for Peter Kalm.

Pronunciation

Sfinks Kal-my-ee

Other Common Names

Fawn Sphinx

Documented Occurrences

This map shows the confirmed sightings of the Laurel 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
2023-08-14	Owen	Pettigrew, Laura
2023-08-14	Owen	Pettigrew, Laura
2023-07-25	Putnam	Burskey, Jake
2022-08-10	Hamilton	Starling, Keith
2022-06-23	Strake	Lucas, Martin	Adult
2021-08-06	Switzerland	Lowry, Kelsie	Adult
2021-07-29	Monroe	Dunaway, Heather	Adult
2021-07-28	Hamilton	Kant, Nancy	Adult
2021-07-28	Hamilton	Kant, Nancy	Adult
2021-06-19	Harrison	Helmbold, Jessica	Adult

Observation Details	Images
Date: 2023-08-14 County: Owen Observer: Pettigrew, Laura Notes:
Date: 2023-08-14 County: Owen Observer: Pettigrew, Laura Notes:
Date: 2023-07-25 County: Putnam Observer: Burskey, Jake Notes:
Date: 2022-08-10 County: Hamilton Observer: Starling, Keith Notes:
Date: 2022-06-23 County: Strake Observer: Lucas, Martin Notes: Adult
Date: 2021-08-06 County: Switzerland Observer: Lowry, Kelsie Notes: Adult
Date: 2021-07-29 County: Monroe Observer: Dunaway, Heather Notes: Adult
Date: 2021-07-28 County: Hamilton Observer: Kant, Nancy Notes: Adult
Date: 2021-07-28 County: Hamilton Observer: Kant, Nancy Notes: Adult
Date: 2021-06-19 County: Harrison Observer: Helmbold, Jessica Notes: Adult

Sphinx kalmiae Sightings by Month

Conservation Status

• Global status: G5 (secure)

Reasons: “This species is still common in much of its range and while it did decline in the northeastern US like most large summer caterpillars in the mid 20th century, it did not disappear. As of 2013 it is not rare from New Jersey westward. However, as with all of the ash-feeding Sphingidae this rank does not account for possible impacts of the emerald Ash Borer. Unless that pest is controlled this will be among the several Sphingidae that will be drastically reduced and may be at risk of extinction in the next few decades. Rank Calculator also gives a rank of G5. for now this moth is secure in most or all of its range.”

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

Floral Associates

Laurel Sphinx caterpillars feed on a variety of trees and shrubs including their namesake Laurels (Kalmia spp.), but they are said to be being particularly fond of plants in the Olive (Oleaceae) family.

Adult moths feed on nectar.

Known Larval Food Sources in Indiana
Family	Taxonomic Name	Common Name
Order: Aquifoliales
Aquifoliaceae	Ilex spp.	hollies
Order: Dipsicales
Caprifoliaceae	Diervilla spp.	honeysuckles
Order: Ericales
Ericaceae	Gaylussacia spp.	huckleberries
	Kalmia latifiolia	mountain laurel
	Rhododendron spp.	azaleas and rhododendrons
Order: Fagales
Betulaceae	Betula spp.	birches
Order: Lamiales
Oleaceae	Chionanthus virginicus	fringetree
	Fraxinus spp.	ashes
	Ligustrum spp.	privets
	Syringa spp.	lilacs
Order: Rosales
Rosaceae	Malus spp.	apples and crabapples
	Prunus spp.	cherries
Order: Salicales
Salicaceae	Populus spp.	poplars