Yucatan Sphinx
Common NameYucatan Sphinx
Scientific NameErinnyis yucatana
FamilySphingidae
SubfamilyMacroglossinae
Wingspan (mm)60
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorsbrown, grey, reddish-orange
HabitatTropical and subtropical forests, gardens, disturbed areas
Geographic RangeSouthern United States (Florida, Texas), Mexico, Central America, Caribbean, northern South America
Host PlantsPlumeria, Tabernaemontana, Apocynaceae family members
Flight PeriodYear-round in tropical regions; multiple broods from spring to fall in subtropical areas
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid on host plants, and the larvae are typically green or brown with a caudal horn. Pupation occurs in the soil or leaf litter.
Identification TipsKey identification features include the mottled grey-brown forewings combined with the prominent reddish-orange hindwings, which are a distinguishing characteristic among *Erinnyis* species.
Description
This medium-sized sphinx moth has cryptic mottled grey-brown forewings with subtle darker lines and a robust grey-brown body. Its hindwings are a striking reddish-orange, often visible when the moth is at rest or in flight.
