Erinnyis obscura, the obscure sphinx, is a moth of the family Sphingidae. The species was first described by Johann Christian Fabricius in 1775.

It lives from the northern part of South America up to the central United States.

Distribution

Adults are on wing year round in the tropics, southern Florida and southern Texas. A single specimen has been added to the Cornell University Insect Collection after being collected by John Dombrowski in Ithaca New York, Tompkins County. The species was identified by curator Jason Dombroeski. This suggests that E. obscura's range is much more northern than expected. [see Cornell Insect Collection Data Base.
 The caterpillars feed on various members of the family Apocynaceae, including Rauvolfia ligustrina, Rauvolfia tetraphylla, Stemmadenia obovata, Philibertia, Cynanchum and Carica papaya as well as Asclepiadaceae and spurge species, including Blepharodon mucronatum, Funastrum clausum and Morrenia odorata.

Biology

harmful

Erinnyis obscura is considered a tree pest because its larvae feed on the leaves of various tree species, causing defoliation and potentially impacting the health and growth of the trees.

tree pest

Erinnyis obscura can be considered a garden pest because its larvae feed on the leaves of many garden plants, potentially causing damage and reducing the aesthetic appeal of the garden.

garden pest

Erinnyis obscura can be considered a crop pest because its larvae have been known to feed on the leaves of various crop plants, leading to reduced yields and potential economic losses for farmers.

crop pest

Erinnyis obscura is considered a pest because its larvae feed on the leaves of trees, garden plants, and crops, causing damage and potentially reducing yields, which can have negative impacts on the health and productivity of these plants.

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What does a obscure sphinx eat?

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