Sphinx gordius
Cramer, 1780
Apple Sphinx
Sort #: 1667 | P3 #: 890119 | MPG #: 7810
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Larval feeding type: Feeds externally
Larval substrate: Many trees and shrubs, e.g. Vaccinium* (Blueberry), Comptonia peregrina (Sweet Fern), Morella (Bayberry), Alnus (Alder), Betula (Birch), Malus (Apple)
Phenology: Adult: 4/28 to 8/28 (248 records)
Comment: This species is characterized by a mostly black forewing fringe and the hindwing fringe is mostly white with black patches, although these characters are variable and many specimens cannot be identified for certain, especially when worn. Larvae cannot be distinguished from S. poecila.
Status in MA (automated assessment): Widespread, common
Status in N. America: Native
MA Endangered Species Act status: None
First Year Reported: 1833
Last Year Reported: 2022
Distribution by County: Berkshire, Hampden, Hampshire, Franklin, Worcester, Middlesex, Essex, Norfolk, Bristol, Plymouth, Barnstable, Dukes, Nantucket
Number of Records: 514