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Sphinx kalmiae
The Laurel Sphinx (Sphinx kalmiae) is a moth of the Sphingidae family. It is found in the temperate parts of the United States and southern Canada east of the Great Plains, in the north it occurs west of the Rocky Mountains. The wingspan is 75–103 mm. In Canada, there is one generation per year with adults on wing in June and July. More to the south, there are two generations per year with adults on wing from late May to June and again from July to August. There may be as many as six generations in Louisiana. The larvae feed on Chionanthus, Kalmia, Syringa and Fraxinus species. They are blue-green or yellow-green with seven diagonal lines that are white edged with black above and usually yellow below
Also http://mothphotographersgroup.msstate.ed... http://www.silkmoths.bizland.com/skalmia...
Janine is correct, Sphinx ligustri is not found in the United States. However, a close relative, Sphinx kalmiae is found in the United States, and has a bluish granular horn as you have pictured here. Fantastic find!
Thanks Janine and EnvUnlimited. Looks like Privet Hawk-moth Caterpillar (Hornworm) - Perfect! Thanks!
its just geographical location (again) that is affecting identification.