Laurel Sphinx Moth (Sphinx kalmiae)
From Butterflies and Moths of North America:
Family: Sphinx Moths, Hawkmoths (Sphingidae)
Subfamily: Sphinginae (Sphinginae)
Identification: Forewing is yellowish brown with a thin whitish line along the outer margin and a black patch along the inner margin. Hindwing is tan with a black border, black median line, and black patch at the base.
Life history: Fully-grown caterpillars pupate in cells dug in loose soil. Caterpillars of the second brood pupate and overwinter.
Flight: . Probably two broods from March-October.
Wing span: 2 15/16 - 4 1/16 inches (7.5 - 10.3 cm).
Caterpillar hosts: Laurel (Kalmia latifolia), lilac (Syringa vulgaris), fringe tree (Chionanthus virginicus), privet (Ligustrum), ash (Fraxinus), poplar (Populus), mountain holly (Nemopanthus mucronatus), and northern bush honeysuckle (Diervilla lonicera).
Adult food: Bouncing bet (Saponaria officinalis) and Japanese honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica).
Range: Newfoundland and Maine west to Manitoba and North Dakota; south to Alabama and Louisiana.
Thanks to the Moth Guy at BugGuide for confirming my ID.
My apologies for the unattractive background, but most of my moth photos are taken out on the porch because the moths are attracted to our porch light. Taking the photo of the moth on the porch seems better (to me) than capturing it and setting up a more attractive presentation later -- but that's just the way I choose to do it.
