Erinnyis obscura

Common Name(s): Obscure Sphinx

Ecology:

Adult description:
This is a fairly variable small moth with forewings only 27-34mm in length (1). The adults can be gray in color to almost jet black. The gray forms may have various amounts of black streaking. The black form usually has gray around the wing tips. The hindwings are bright red, unlike others in the genus, lack black banding, and instead just have a very small blue/black region at the basal part of the hindwing which does not span the length of the hindwing. The thorax is generally plain gray. There are often two parallel black lines running the length of the abdomen. The combination of small size and lack of black edging to the hindwing will separate this species from the others in the genus.

Larval description:
L5: The larva is usually green in color, but there is also a brown form. There are two cream colored lines running down the dorsal region of the larva on either side. There is a very small nub of a horn. The easiest way to distinguish this species from others in the genus is the lack of a thoracic eyespot.

Host plants:

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L5 - (C) Bob Barber

The gallery to the left contains photos of Erinnyis obscura adults. If you have a photo that you would like to submit to us, please contact us.

The gallery to the right contains photos of Erinnyis obscura larval and pupal stages. If you have a photo that you would like to submit to us, please contact us.