Alope Sphinx
Common NameAlope Sphinx
Scientific NameErinnyis alope
FamilySphingidae
SubfamilyMacroglossinae
Wingspan (mm)85
Wing Patternstriped
Primary Colorsdark brown, orange, grey
HabitatTropical and subtropical forests, open woodlands, gardens, disturbed areas
Geographic RangeSouthern United States (Florida, Texas, Arizona, California), Mexico, Central America, South America; migrates north seasonally.
Host PlantsPlumeria, Nerium oleander, Carica papaya, Allamanda
Flight PeriodYear-round in tropical regions; May to November in subtropical areas
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are typically green or brown, often with a horn at the rear, feeding on host plants. Pupation occurs in a shallow burrow in the soil or leaf litter.
Identification TipsKey features include the broad orange band on the hindwings, which contrasts with the dark forewings and body. The forewings have a somewhat mottled, cryptic pattern, and the moth has the characteristic robust body of a sphinx moth.
Description
A large, robust sphinx moth with mottled dark brown to greyish-brown forewings and a prominent broad orange band across the hindwings, visible when at rest or in flight. The abdomen is dark with some lighter markings.
