Ypsilon Hawkmoth
Common NameYpsilon Hawkmoth
Scientific NameAdhemarius ypsilon
FamilySphingidae
SubfamilySmerinthinae
Wingspan (mm)100
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorsbrown, tan, black
HabitatTropical and subtropical forests, forest edges
Geographic RangeCentral America, South America (from Mexico south to Brazil and Bolivia)
Host PlantsCalycophyllum candidissimum, Uncaria tomentosa
Flight PeriodYear-round in tropical regions, varying seasonally in subtropical areas
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesUndergoes complete metamorphosis: egg, larva (caterpillar), pupa, and adult. Larvae are typically green or brown with a prominent horn at the posterior end.
Identification TipsKey features include its large size, the prominent dark Y-shaped marking on the thorax and forewing base, and the dark patches at the forewing apex and tornus against a mottled brown background. Hindwings are typically plain brown.
Description
This large hawkmoth has a robust body and cryptic brown and tan forewings. A distinctive dark Y-shaped marking is present on the thorax and basal forewing, complemented by dark patches at the forewing apex and tornus.
