Synonyms and other taxonomic changes
First described in 1773 by
Dru Drury as
Sphinx achemon
Eumorpha achemon
Explanation of Names
In Greek mythology, Achemon (also spelled Acmon) was one of two mischievous brothers called the
CercopesSize
Larva probably similar to Pandorus sphinx, to about 90 mm (3.5")
Identification
Larvae may be tan or green, with white diagonal elongated/segmented spiracular spots from A3 to A7. "Horn" on tail end is lost after the fourth instar. Pupates in burrows in the soil.
Range
"Maine west to North Dakota and southern Oregon; south to south Florida, southern California, and Mexico." (BMNA)
Food
Larvae feed on leaves of grape (Vitis), Virginia Creeper (Parthenocissus), Ampelopsis and related vining plants.
Adults take nectar from flowers.
See Also
Caterpillars are similar to
Pandorus Sphinx, and eat a similar range of plants, but Achemon has narrow segmented spots on each segment from A3 - A7, instead of Pandorus's single large one.
Print References
Covell, p. 41 & plate 3 #11
(1)
Internet References
Silkmoths.bizland.com larval and adult images, lifecycle information
Illustrations of Natural History, p.51 (pl.XXIX, fig.1) Drury's original description of the species (illustration
here, index giving name
here).
