Species Erinnyis alope - Alope Sphinx - Hodges#7832

7832

Papaya Hornworm

Erinnyis alope – (Drury, 1770)

Orig. Comb: Sphinx alope Dru Drury 1770

* phylogenetic sequence #227875

Perhaps from Greek Alope (Αλοπη), a town mentioned in the Iliad among the places ruled by Achilles (Illiad 2, line 682).

3 1/4 - 3 15/16 inches (7.8 - 10 cm) Wingspan

The caterpillar is brown on the upper side, and pale green on the lower side, the colors being separated by the dark brown interrupted lateral band on either side of the body. On the third segment from the head there is a dark spot relieved by a red ring in the center. The anal horn is quite short. (1)

Scattered records from AZ-TX, FL. Strays to KS, AR. - BAMONA

The insect occurs in southern Florida and ranges southward as far as northern Argentina.(1)

Continuous broods in south Florida

Larvae feed on Jatropha, Carica papaya and Allamanda. (1)

Life cycle images:

larva; older larva; pre-pupal larva; pupa; adult

Type Locality: Jamaica

Holland (1)

Drury, D. [1770]. Illustrations of Natural History of Exotic Insects, 1: 58, pl. 27, f. 1,

Moth Photographers Group - range map, photos of living and pinned adults.

Butterflies and Moths of North America - life history and photos.

Silkmoths

Moths of Southeastern Arizona - pinned adults photo.