Synonyms and other taxonomic changes
Erinnyis ello (Linnaeus, 1758)
Sphinx ello Linnaeus 1758
Identification
♂   ♀
Horn reduced to a low point, arising from an elevated angular hump.
In the last instar, the horn is reduced to a nub.
Eyespot over the third thoracic segment is hidden in the resting caterpillar.
Ornately banded thoracic and prolegs.
Length to 7cm.
Erinnyis ello caterpillars come in a seemingly endless variety.
The pupa, seemingly aposematic, is shiny black with orange bands and lines.
(2)
Range
Southern Florida and southern Texas.
(2)
Strays north to Canada.
(1)
Moth Photographers Group - large map with some collection locations and dates.
Central and South America, including the Galapagos Islands
Habitat
Hammocks, orchards and yards.
(2)Season
Breeds year-round in southern Florida and south Texas.
(2)
Strays north during August and October.
(3)Food
Recorded feeding on members of the following plant families: Caricaceae, Euphorbiaceae, Myrtaceae, Sapotaceae.
Life Cycle
Usually pupates above ground in the leaf litter
(2)Remarks
This is quite the commonest of all the hawkmoths of the American tropics, and becomes a perfect drug in collections made by amateur naturalists, who venture into those regions, net in hand.
(1)See Also
Compare on the pinned plates of
Moth Photographers Group.
Print References
Comstock, J.A. & C.M. Dammers 1938. Studies on the metamorphoses of six California moths.
Southern California Academy of Scirnces 37(3). p.
105, pl. 31-33.
Hodges, R.W., 1971.
The Moths of America North of Mexico, Fascicle 21. The Wedge Entomological Research Foundation. p. 99; pl. 9.6-7.
(4)
Holland, W.J., 1922.
The Moth Book. Doubleday, Page & Company. p. 58.
(1)
Tuttle, J. P., 2007.
Hawk Moths of North America. The Wedge Entomological Research Foundation. p. 135; pl. 4.9-10.
(5)Internet References
Silkmoths - species page by Bill Oehlke.
Systema Naturae, 10th ed., v.1, p.491 Linnaeus' original description of the species (in Latin)