Home / Hawk Moths (Sphingidae) / Achemon Sphinx Moth (Eumorpha achemon)

Achemon Sphinx Moth (Eumorpha achemon)

Achemon sphinx moth of the Sphingidae family is indigenous to several parts of North America. Some of the synonyms associated with this moth include Sphinx achemon described in 1777 by Drury and Sphinx crantor, coined by Cramer in 1777

Achemon Sphinx Moth

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Scientific Classification


  • Family: Sphingidae
  • Genus: Eumorpha
  • Scientific Name: Eumorpha achemon

Description and Identification

Caterpillar

The Achemon sphinx moth caterpillar is cylindrical and hairy, growing to a length of about 3 inches. Its colors vary from reddish-orange to light green to brown or tan. The younger larvae have a long and flexible spine on their abdominal tip. They have a reputation for feeding voraciously, infamous as a vineyard pest.

Achemon Sphinx Moth Larvae

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Achemon Sphinx Moth Caterpillar

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Pupa

When fully grown, the larvae leave the vineyards, making a burrow in the soil nearby where the pupal phase starts. The pupa has a reddish-brown coloration.

Achemon Sphinx Moth Pupa

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Adult Moth

Sexual Dimorphism: Present

The females appear larger than the males, also with a heavier abdomen.

Color and Appearance

Forewings: When opened, it appears pinkish-brown with dark spots in the shape of a square near the edges. When closed, it seems less pink and more brown, with the squarish spots not visible.

Hindwings:  When opened, it is majorly pink with a brown band near the border, mostly separated by a black line, broken in between. When closed, the color mostly remains the same, with the black lines lightly visible.

Average Wingspan: 8.7 – 9.7 cm

Flight Pattern: Consistent

Season: North – June – August; South – May – August

Eumorpha achemon

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Egg

The eggs are laid on the leaves’ upper side and hatch in about nine days. They appear large with a green coloration.

Achemon Sphinx Moth Eggs

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Quick Facts

DistributionDifferent parts of North America from Maine to North Dakota; southern parts of Oregon, south Florida, South California as well as Mexico
HabitatWoodlands, scrublands, suburbs, and gardens
PredatorsNot recorded
Lifespan of AdultsAbout a month
Host PlantsVirginia creeper, peppervine
Adult DietNectar of flowers like Japanese honeysuckle,

Did You Know

Dru Drury, a British collector, described this species for the first time in 1773.

Achemon Sphinx Moth Image

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Achemon Sphinx Moth Picture

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Achemon Sphinx Moth Photo

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