Common Name(s): Typhon Sphinx
Adult description: A wonderfully large sphingid, adults of this species can have forewing lengths of 53-59mm (2). This immediately separates it from the only other similar looking species, Eumorpha achemon, which is much smaller. Eumorpha typhon has generally brown forewings with gray and black maculation. There is a dark D shaped mark in the basal area of the forewing. In fresh individuals, there are two very noticeable yellow veins running from the median area of the forewing to the outer margin. The hindwings of this species are spectacular. Primarily red, the anal angle is cream and the inner margin of the hindwing is pink. The submarginal area of the hindwing is tan in color, and right above it is a black line. Next to the cream spot on the anal angle and above the black line, there are two blue rectangular shaped marks before the wing becomes redder and then pinker as you move toward the inner margin. Ecology and Life History Overview: This species ranges from central America north through Mexico, and barely into the US in Southeastern Arizona and Southwestern New Mexico. Adults are on the wing from July to September in the US, and are very closely linked to the monsoon season in Arizona (1,2). Like other Eumorpha species, this moth is quite attracted to light. In fact, in certain areas in Arizona, it can be extremely common at lights. This moth seems to be active most of the night, with peak activity at lights starting slightly before midnight (1). Eggs are laid on the leaves of hostplants (2). Young larvae, like other Eumorpha species, will often live and feed among the new growth and tendrils of a plant. The curly caudal horn helps them blend in. Older larvae tend to retreat into the plant and often rest upon the woody portion of the vine (2). Pupation occurs underground like most other Sphingidae, and the resulting pupae wait for the next monsoon season to eclose. Habitat and Searching for Larvae: In Arizona, this species can be found in the mountains of Pima, Santa Cruz, and Cochise counties. In New Mexico, it has been found in Hidalgo county. The general habitat of this species is riparian areas in the mountains where hostplants (Vitacaeae) can grow (1,2). In the washes in these mountains, Vitis arizonica grows quite well and is absolutely exploited by this species. In one area, nearly a half-dozen larvae were recovered on one plant (1). Larvae are easy to spot at night with an ultraviolet flashlight, as they fluoresce. During the day, larvae can be found on the plant and often continue consuming foliage (2). Older, larger larvae are much more conspicuous than the smaller larvae, and can be found quite readily during the day. Rearing Notes: This species is easy to rear in captivity with larvae accepting most plants in the Vitaceae family and not seeming to care about switching plants (1). The younger larvae don’t seem to feed nearly as continually as the older larvae, and I found myself replacing food for older larvae nearly twice a day (1). It is important not to allow the larvae to get too humid when rearing as they seem to quickly succumb to disease (1). Pupation can be easily achieved in a plastic container with several layers of dry paper towel, on top of one slightly damp paper towel. Pupation can be achieved in slightly damp soil as well. Pupae overwinter easily, and adults will eclose with little effort when exposed to heat and humidity (2). |
Larval description:
L3: Larvae are smooth, small, and heavily speckled with black. They may be green, red, or salmony pink. Much like other Eumorpha, the first few abdominal segments are swollen to allow the larva to slightly retract its head and thoracic segments. The small, thin caudal horn is green or orange and extends almost straight upwards from a slightly raised yellow or red false eyespot on the last abdominal segment. The larva has either yellow or cream/white rectangular streaks surrounding the spiracles. L4: The larva isn’t much more different than the previous instar. The biggest difference is the lack of caudal horn and now more fully developed yellow or red false eyespot. The heavy black speckling and yellow and white/cream rectangular streaks remain and help separate this species from the similar Eumorpha achemon. L5: The final instar is a magnificent creature to behold. While it doesn’t change much in appearance, it is quite large. The caudal horn is still absent and the red or yellow eyespot is still quite prominent on the last abdominal segment. The rectangular markings on the abdominal segments are often now noticeably lined with black. The spiracles are fairly large and yellow in color. The speckling on the larva at this stage is still quite dense, however certain individuals (particularly green form individuals) can have less dense speckling. When threatened or disturbed, larvae will pull their head and first few thoracic segments into the enlarged abdominal segment, tucking it’s thoracic legs up by it’s head. Hostplants: Click here to load this Caspio Cloud Database
Cloud Database by Caspio |
The gallery to the left contains photos of Eumorpha typhon adults. The data for each photo can be found by clicking on it. If you have a photo that you would like to submit to us, please contact us.
The gallery to the right contains photos of Eumorpha typhon larval and pupal stages. The data for each photo can be found by clicking on it. If you have a photo that you would like to submit to us, please contact us.
The gallery to the right contains photos of Eumorpha typhon larval and pupal stages. The data for each photo can be found by clicking on it. If you have a photo that you would like to submit to us, please contact us.