The Vine Sphinx Moth is a large, streamlined flier with a caterpillar that has a fondness for grape leaves.
The Vine Sphinx Moth has a sleek, striking pattern of lines and stripes on its forewings that is best observed when they are open (flat). Its hindwings hide bright pink patches that are visible when the forewings are stretched out. It is a stark contrast from the neutral coloring along the rest of its body.
The caterpillar for the Vine Sphinx Moth can be any of three color combinations: pink, pale green or lemony-green. Five pair of diagonal lines run along the sides of the body. It may or may not have black dots as well. The preferred food for this caterpillar is a grape leaf so vineyards are likely to consider this insect a pest.
This member of the Sphinx Moth family is large, like its relatives, making it easy to spot. They are very common in the Southeastern U.S. as well as the mountainous Southwest. Like most moths, they are attracted to lights at night and are most active in late summer as well as early spring.
Taxonomic Hierarchy
Kingdom:Animalia
Phylum:Arthropoda
Class:Insecta
Order:Lepidoptera
Family:Sphingidae
Genus:Eumorpha
Species:vitis
Identifying Information
Scientific Name: Eumorpha vitis
Category:
Butterfly or Moth
Size (Adult; Length): 85mm to 105mm (3.32in to 4.10in)
Note: An insect's reach is not limited by lines drawn on a map and therefore species may appear in areas, regions and/or states beyond those listed above as they are driven by environmental factors (such as climate change), available food supplies and mating patterns. Grayed-out selections indicate that the subject in question has not been reported in that particular territory. U.S. states and Canadian provinces / territories are clickable to their respective bug listings.
Butterfly and Moth Anatomy
1
Antennae: Butterflies and Moths have a pair of antennae on the head used as sensors.
2
Head: The head is home to the insect's eyes, antennae, and proboscis.
3
Thorax: Home to the three pairs of legs as well as vital internal organs.
4
Abdomen: Contains vital internal organs such as the heart(s) and reproduction facilities.
5
Forewing: The upper, forward wing pair used for flying.
6
Hindwing: The lower, rearward wing pair used for flying.
NOTE: Butterflies and Moths are part of the Lepidopteran order as they share many similarities.
Colors: brown; tan; white; pink; yellow
