Achemon Sphinx Moth (Eumorpha achemon)

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.

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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.

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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

Egg

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