Butterflies and Moths of North America

collecting and sharing data about Lepidoptera

Gaudy sphinx
Eumorpha labruscae (Linnaeus, 1758)

Family: Sphingidae
Subfamily: Macroglossinae
Identification: Body and forewing uppersides are deep gray-green. Hindwing upperside has purple-blue patches, yellow borders, and a red spot near the inner margin. Underside is yellow-green and gray-purple.
Wing Span: 4 5/16 - 4 3/4 inches (11 - 12 cm).
Life History: Caterpillars pupate in shallow underground burrows.
Flight: . Several flights throughout the year in Florida, one flight from September-November northward.
Caterpillar Hosts: Grape (Vitis), vine (Cissus), and Christmasbush eupatorium (Eupatorium odoratum).
Adult Food: Probably flower nectar.
Habitat: Tropics and subtropics.
Range: Argentina north through Central America, Mexico, and the West Indies to Florida, Mississippi, South Texas, and Arizona. Strays to Missouri, southern Michigan, Pennsylvania, Maine, and southern Saskatchewan.
Conservation: Not usually required.
Management Needs: None reported.
Comments: NULL