Sphinx canadensis
Sphinx canadensis is a butterfly (moth ) from the family of moth ( Sphingidae ). The species colonized large parts of northern North America.
- 5.1 Notes and references
- 5.2 Literature
Features
The moths have a forewing length of 33-43 millimeters. The species is difficult to determine because the patterning of the front wing is very low in contrast. The moths are gray to pale brown with something. The pattern is similar to several species of the genus Sphinx. Starting at the top of the front wing are several short black lines between the wing veins that extend across the medial region. As with other species of the genus, the two black lines near the wing tip are provided at the top with a white napkin. A characteristic feature of the type, however, is that the other diagonal, black lines result in a pale but well noticeable white line near the outer edge of wing. This white line continues in some individuals at the bottom of the black lines. The moths are only slightly variable, only the brown portion of the color can vary. The hind wings are on the top black with white binding. From Sphinx poecila the species differs by the higher proportion brown in color and the absence of white Diskalflecken.
The caterpillars are colored variable. There are morphs, the seven pairs clearer, oblique, white have side stripes and where the brown spots are reduced to the sides. For others, the side panels are very light yellowish - green visible and dominate the brown spots on the sides.
The doll is almost black and has a slightly rough surface. The very short proboscis sheath is exposed and is only slightly curved away from the body as it also occurs in Sphinx sequoiae. The cremaster is basally broad, tapering twin spiers quickly.
Occurrence
The species colonized large parts of northern North America. It occurs mainly in New England and around the Great Lakes, but also there is not often encountered. Around the Great Lakes delivers the kind on in Michigan and Wisconsin and west to Minnesota. In the Northwest of the United States the way from Maine and New York and is proven to south to northeast Pennsylvania. Several proofs exist from the south of Indiana, the northern Kentucky along the Ohio River, there is further evidence isolated from Tennessee, Illinois along the Mississippi River and from the Southwestern Missouri, Arkansas and Nebraska. In northeast Alabama, the species also occurs. In Canada, the species was in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, southern Quebec, found in large parts of Ontario and southeastern Manitoba. An old proof of Newfoundland is unconfirmed.
Sphinx canadensis settled the undergrowth dense deciduous forests in the area of wetlands.
Way of life
The moths fly light sources, but are also at dusk when visiting flowers of Saponaria officinalis and evening primrose (Oenothera ) observed.
Flight times and caterpillars
The moths fly in the north of its distribution area in midsummer. Most evidence is there from late June to early August. With the flight time could assume the appearance of two generations per year, while it is probably only to weather-related delays within the same generation. In Arkansas, the moths fly from May to mid-September, probably in two generations.
Food of the caterpillars
The caterpillars have so far been detected only in black ash ( Fraxinus nigra), which grow in the habitats described above. At others, they were not found on these plants. Previously conjectured that the type Vaccinium angustifolium feeds on what has been incorrectly assumed in the later literature as proven. In fact, there is no evidence of the design of these plants. Also in the breed they are not accepted.
Development
The females lay their eggs singly on the underside of the leaves of the caterpillar food plants. The caterpillars live as a loner and rest on the underside of leaves on the midrib. In captivity, the caterpillars develop very rapidly and are fully grown after three weeks. The caterpillars are camouflaged on the basis of their color perfectly to the wilted at the edges in the late summer leaves of black ash. This is probably the reason why the way in spite of the very northern distribution occurs so late in the year. Nevertheless, the mortality of the caterpillars is extremely high by parasitoids. 80 to 90 % of the caterpillars are killed infected by tachinid. Pupation takes place in captivity in a shallow chamber in the earth, in the wild pupation is also documented in increased growing moss tufts.