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Waved Sphinx Moth

Ceratomia undulosa

Ceratomia undulosa, commonly known as the Waved Sphinx Moth, is a large and striking moth found throughout much of North America. Its wingspan can reach up to 5 inches and its wings are a mixture of brown, gray, and white with a distinctive waved pattern. The wings also have a subtle silver sheen to them.

As a member of the Sphingidae family, the Waved Sphinx is known for its rapid and strong flight. Its body is thick and furry with a dark brown or black coloration. The abdomen has white stripes and a row of yellow spots.

A fun fact about this species is that it is attracted to moonflowers, which bloom only at night. The Waved Sphinx Moth uses its long tongue to access the nectar of the flower while hovering in mid-air, similar to a hummingbird.

Interestingly, the caterpillar of the Waved Sphinx Moth is also quite unique, with a horn at the end of its body. It feeds on a variety of plants, including grape and Virginia creeper.

Habitat
Forests, woodlands, parks, gardens, trees, shrubs
Scientific Name
Ceratomia undulosa
Wing Span
78mm to 110mm
General Size
Large
Wing Color
brown
brown
Marking's Color
black
black
brown
brown
white
white
Markings Pattern
Waves / Jagged Lines

Characteristics describe the physical and behavioral traits that distinguish a species from others. This section helps readers identify and differentiate between similar species, aiding in species identification and reducing the chance of misidentification.

Identifying Characteristics

  1. White reniform spot on center of each wing, outlined in black

  2. Wavy lines across wings
    Several of the wavy lines completely cross forewings

The chart displays the months of the year on the x-axis and observations of a particular species on the y-axis, indicating the time of year when each species is most commonly observed. This chart can assist moth watchers and researchers in predicting the best times and locations to observe specific moth species.

A range map is a visual representation of a species' geographical distribution, and it helps naturalists and field researchers quickly determine if a species is likely to be found in a given area, aiding in identification, conservation, and habitat management efforts.