Amorpha juglandis, the walnut sphinx, is the only species in the monotypic moth genus Amorpha, which is in the family Sphingidae, erected by Jacob Hübner in 1809. The species was first described by James Edward Smith in 1797.

It is native to North America, where it is distributed from the Atlantic Ocean to the Rocky Mountains in Canada and the United States.

Distribution

Description

The adult moth is nocturnal, active mainly during the early hours of the night.
 The caterpillar feeds on alder (Alnus), hickory (Carya), hazelnut (Corylus), beech (Fagus), walnut (Juglans), and hop-hornbeam (Ostrya) species. When attacked by a bird, the caterpillar produces a high-pitched whistle by expelling air from pair of spiracles in its abdomen. This antipredator adaptation may startle the bird, which may then reject the caterpillar.

Biology

harmful

Amorpha juglandis, commonly known as the walnut sphinx moth, is considered a tree pest because its larvae feed on the leaves of walnut trees, causing defoliation and potentially impacting the health and productivity of the trees.

tree pest

Amorpha juglandis can be considered garden pests because their larvae feed on the leaves of various plants, including those commonly found in gardens, which can lead to defoliation and damage to the overall health and appearance of the plants.

garden pest

Amorpha juglandis can be considered crop pests because their larvae feed on the leaves of various crops, such as walnut trees, which can result in defoliation and reduced crop yield.

crop pest

Amorpha juglandis is considered a pest because its larvae feed on the leaves of trees, including walnut trees, as well as various plants found in gardens and crops, leading to defoliation and potential damage to the health and productivity of these plants.

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Are walnut sphinx endangered?

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