About Sphinx franckii Neumoegen, 1893
Sphinx franckii, commonly known as Franck's sphinx moth, is a species of moth in the family Sphingidae. It was first described by Berthold Neumoegen in 1893. This moth is found in lowland deciduous woodland and suburban areas where lilacs (Syringa species) are planted, across the eastern United States, ranging from New York south to northern Florida and west to Missouri and Louisiana. The wingspan of adult Franck's sphinx moths measures 100–128 mm. In the northern part of its range, this species has one generation per year, with adults active on wing from late June to early July. In the southern part of its range, there may be a partial second generation, with adults on wing from August to September. Adults most often feed on nectar from Phlox paniculata and its cultivars. Before mating, male moths will sometimes gather over moist charcoal to take in nutrients from the charred wood. Adults fly during dusk and the early morning. The larvae feed on several plants in the olive family. The only native host plants for this moth are ash (Fraxinus) and fringe tree (Chionanthus virginicus). Larvae also prefer ornamental lilac (Syringa), and will occasionally feed on privet (Ligustrum). Franck's sphinx moth larvae are commonly parasitized by native braconid wasps, and an introduced tachinid fly creates an additional threat to these caterpillars. When ready to pupate, larvae create subterranean chambers a few inches below the ground surface. The pupal stage is a shiny, chestnut-brown color.
