Identification
Odd-shaped sphinx with almost straight median line, prominent round reniform spot. Coloration brown to greenish-brown. There is a distinctive bend in the median line just above the reniform spot, which differentiates it from E. ocypete. Trailing edge of forewing somewhat scalloped. Compare
Half-blind Sphinx (Perigonia lusca) and
Enyo ocypete.
Range
Southern North America into neotropics
Habitat
Forests, edges, presumably.
Season
All year in tropics, August-November northward.
Life Cycle
Larvae feed on grape family plants, Vitus, Ampelopsis, and Cissus species (Moths of North America). Pupation occurs in a shallow burrow in the soil. Adults fly during the day, and apparently at night, because they are attracted to lights.
Remarks
Flies in cold weather (pers. obs. P Coin). Seems to be found in the coastal plain, and in particular, the outer coastal plain and barrier islands.
Print References
Covell, p. 40, plate 5 #12
(1)
Holland p. 61, plate 11 #17 (Epistor lugubris)
(2)Internet References
North Carolina State University Entomology Collection has 21 pinned, including specimens from that state. (No specimens of E. ocypete in that collection.)
Contributed by
Cotinis on 3 April, 2004 - 11:32pm
Additional contributions by
anitagouldLast updated 7 March, 2006 - 3:44am
