Silkmoths and more: Ceratomia undulosa

The caterpillars of the Waved Sphinx (Ceratomia undulosa) are easily mistaken for a species out of the Sphinx genus. They are very different from the Ceratomia amyntor larvae that I posted on this blog some years ago. Another thing they have in common with Sphinx caterpillars - besides the way they look - is that they grow extremely fast. Under warm and dry conditions they complete their growth cycle in less then four weeks. Especially when they are reared on Fraxinus. Ash is by far the best food plant for this species, although they also do well on Ligustrum and Syringa. But when using the alternatives instead of Fraxinus, you will find out that they often remain smaller. So, use Ash if you can and Privet or Lilac only when you really can't find any Ash. It's ok to house the first instars in small, well ventilated plastic containers, but as soon as they reach the third instar, move them to netted cages. And watch the food plant. It is a nightmare to keep cut Fraxinus fresh enough to serve as food.