Eumorpha vitis, known as the vine sphinx, is a moth of the family Sphingidae.

It lives from Argentina north through Central America, the West Indies, and Mexico to southern Arizona, Texas, Mississippi, and Florida. Strays north to Nebraska.

Distribution

The wingspan is 85–105 mm. It is similar to Eumorpha fasciatus fasciatus but distinguishable by the lack of a pink marginal band on the hindwing upperside and the single straight line on the forewing upperside.

Description

Adults are on wing from April to May and again from July to October in Florida, from July to September in one generation in the northern part of the range and year-round in the tropics. They feed on the nectar of various flowers, including Vinca rosea.
 The larvae feed on Vitis species (including Vitis vinifera), Cissus species (including Cissus incisa, Cissus pseudosicyoides, Cissus rhombifolia, Cissus sicycoides and Cissus verticillata), Ludwigia decurrens, Ludwigia erecta, Magnolia virginiana and Parthenocissus species. There are green, yellow and purple colour morphs. Pupation takes place in burrows.

Biology

harmful

Eumorpha vitis is considered a tree pest because its larvae feed on the leaves of various tree species, causing defoliation and potentially weakening the trees' overall health and vitality.

tree pest

Eumorpha vitis can be considered a garden pest because its larvae feed on the leaves of various garden plants, potentially causing damage and defoliation, which can impact the overall health and aesthetics of the garden.

garden pest

Eumorpha vitis can be considered a crop pest because its larvae feed on the leaves of various crop plants, potentially causing damage and reducing crop yields, which can have economic implications for farmers and agricultural production.

crop pest

Eumorpha vitis is considered a pest because its larvae feed on the leaves of trees, garden plants, and crops, causing damage, defoliation, and potential economic losses for farmers and gardeners.

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What does a vine sphinx eat?

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