Synonyms and other taxonomic changes
Eumorpha fasciatus (Sulzer)
Orig. Comb:
Sphinx fasciatus Sulzer 1776
Identification
Adult:Strong white bands on wings. Brown band on costa (leading edge of forewing) distinguishes from the similar, less widespread, Vine Sphinx, E. vitis.
Larva: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
e US w/ strays further north -
Map (MPG)
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 are crepuscular to nocturnal and feed on nectar.
aLife Cycle
Moths lay large, spherical, smooth eggs on the lower surface of foodplant leaves. The hatched larvae (caterpillars) feed on leaves, preferring the middle of the blade. Caterpillars usually go through five instars of wide varying colors and patterns, where fifth instar is a characteristic 1st form (green) or 2nd form (colorful). Mature larvae leave host foodplant to bury themselves in an underground cavity in fall. Caterpillars pupate during winter, then crawl out of their burrows in Spring (Appear May-August) as Moths.
aPrint References
Covell, page 41, plate 3 #12
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