Synonyms and other taxonomic changes
First described in 1776 by Johann Heinrich Sulzer
as Sphinx fasciatus
Explanation of Names
fasciatus is Latin for "banded"
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.
Southeastern United States to Texas, into tropics. Strays (temporary colonization?) northward.
Old fields, nearby woodlands with hostplant
May-July, August-November (2 broods) in southern US. Only latter brood farther north.
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. a
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. a
Covell, page 41, plate 3 #12 (1)
Moth Photographers Group
- photographs of larva, living and pinned adults
North Carolina State University
- photo and discussion of caterpillar
Eumorpha fasciata Life Cycle
- shows different instars of caterpillar, pupa, adult