Wild Cherry Sphinx Moth

Wild Cherry Sphinx is one of Kingston's more-than-human neighbours. They're one of Ontario's largest moths, with an 11 cm wingspan. There are only eight records of them in the Kingston area. Because they're rare? Or because they only come out at night? These kin cards are an invitation to get to know them: who they live in relation with, their gifts, and what they're asking of us.

Wild Cherry Sphinx kin card

Wild Cherry Sphinx adults fly from June to September, feeding on nectar from Evening Primrose, Phlox, and Wild Bergamot after dark. In July and August, their hornworm larvae feed on Wild Black Cherry, Serviceberry, and Apple, then pupate in the duff and loose soil at the base of host plants. Braconid Wasp lays eggs inside the hornworms. Breeding birds feed them to their young.

Wild Cherry Sphinx at the planning table

What sustains them, what they give to this place, what threatens them, and what a workable Biodiversity Action Plan looks like from where they stand. This season, this decade, this century.

Get to know Wild Cherry Sphinx. Return through the seasons. Record what you observe on iNaturalist.

Notice: Wild Cherry Sphinx flies after dark. Look for them early morning, resting on walls. In July and August, use a flashlight to look for their large green hornworm larva on Wild Black Cherry, Serviceberry, or Apple or their dark pellet-shaped droppings on leaves and on the ground below host plants. In fall, look for their large brown pupa buried 5 to 10 cm deep in soil at the base of host plants.

Act: Plant Wild Black Cherry, Pin Cherry, and Chokecherry, their primary larval hosts. Leave the leaves to protect their overwintering pupae. Turn off exterior lights after dark as the lights disorient them.

Kingston is drafting a Biodiversity Action Plan. Pin a place that matters to Wild Cherry Sphinx.

Get involved: Little Forests Kingston is growing. We're looking for people who want to build relationships with the land and tend them over time. Forest Stewards, Neighbourhood Weavers, Community Scientists, Seed Keepers and more. You don't need to arrive knowing everything. Do any of these roles call to you?