Synonyms and other taxonomic changes
First described in 1776 by
Johann Heinrich Sulzer as
Sphinx fasciatus
Eumorpha fasciata
Eumorpha fasciatus
Explanation of Names
fasciatus is Latin for "banded"
Identification
Strong white bands on wings. Brown band on costa (leading edge of forewing) distinguishes from the similar, less widespread, Vine Sphinx, E. vitis.
Caterpillars highly variable. Black spiracles edged with white, and diagonal white stripes pointing towards the head (much less common than the reverse, in sphingids) seem to be common features. One caterpillar form is mostly green. Another form has a base color of green or yellow, pinkish-red and black cross-stripes, red feet and longitutudinal sub-spiracular green or yellow stripes edged with red.
Range
Southeastern United States to Texas, into tropics. Strays (temporary colonization?) northward.
Habitat
Old fields, nearby woodlands with hostplant
Season
May-July, August-November (2 broods) in southern US. Only latter brood farther north.
Food
Larvae feed on Evening Primrose, Oenothera species, Water Primrose, Ludwigia species, and other related plants (Onagraceae).
Adults take nectar?
Print References
Covell, page 41, plate 3 #12
(1)
Internet References
Moth Photographers Group - photographs of larva, living and pinned adults
North Carolina State University--photo and discussion of caterpillar
Eumorpha fasciata Life Cycle--shows different instars of caterpillar, pupa, adult
