Synonyms and other taxonomic changes
Enyo lugubris (
Linnaeus, 1771)
Explanation of Names
From Latin root
lugubr sad, gloomy
(1). "Mournful Sphinx" is from the Latin name, and both presumably refer to the somber colors (or drooping posture?) of this moth.
Identification
Odd-shaped sphinx with almost straight median line, prominent round reniform spot. Coloration brown to greenish-brown. There is a distinctive bend in the median line just above the reniform spot, which differentiates it from E. ocypete. Trailing edge of forewing somewhat scalloped. Compare
Half-blind Sphinx (Perigonia lusca) and
Enyo ocypete.
Range
Southern North America into neotropics
Habitat
Forests, edges, presumably.
Season
All year in tropics, August-November northward.
Life Cycle
Larvae feed on grape family plants, Vitus, Ampelopsis, and Cissus species (Moths of North America). Pupation occurs in a shallow burrow in the soil. Adults fly during the day, and apparently at night, because they are attracted to lights.
Remarks
Flies in cold weather (pers. obs. P Coin). Seems to be found in the coastal plain, and in particular, the outer coastal plain and barrier islands.
Print References
Borror, entry for
lugubr (1).
Covell, p. 40, plate 5 #12
(2)
Holland p. 61, plate 11 #17 (Epistor lugubris)
(3)Internet References
Moth Photographers Group - photographs of larva, living and pinned adults
North Carolina State University Entomology Collection has 21 pinned, including specimens from that state. (No specimens of E. ocypete in that collection.)
