Synonyms and other taxonomic changes
Eumorpha vitis (Linnaeus)
Orig. Comb:
Sphinx vitis Linnaeus, 1758
Explanation of Names
species name "vitis" and common name "Vine" both refer to the species' use of grapes (genus Vitis) and other vines as host plants for caterpillars
Identification
Caterpillar is green or brownish with diagonal white stripes on the flanks; lacks the usual "horn" of sphingid larvae. Adult has dark wings with one broad pale stripe that splits into a "Y" in toward the body, and three thin stripes crossing the Y.
Range
mostly TX, FL -
Map - MPG
Florida west to southern Arizona, south through the West Indies and Mexico to Argentina. Stray individuals recorded as far north as Nebraska, Missouri, and Illinois.
Habitat
tropical and subtropical lowlands
Food
Adults are nectar feeders, possibly favoring orchids, Jimsonweed (Datura stramonium), and Periwinkle (Vinca spp.).
Caterpillars feed on foliage of several genera including Vitis, Cissus, Parthenocissus, Ludwigia, and Magnolia.
See Also
Banded Sphinx - Eumorpha fasciatus - has the brown band along costa (leading edge of wing)
Larvae are similar to Achemon sphinx, Eumorpha achemon, but 4 - 5 white spiracular lines are not segmented.
Internet References
Systema naturae, 10th ed., p.491 - Linnaeus' original description of the species (in Latin)
