Page 451 - The Book of Caterpillars: A Life-Size Guide to Six Hundred Species From Around the World

MOTH CATERPILLARS

FAMILY Sphingidae
DISTRIBUTION South America, including Argentina, Chile, Uruguay, Paraguay,
and Brazil
HABITAT Savannahs and other open areas
HOST PLANTS Wide range of plants in the families Fabaceae, Nyctaginaceae,
Onagraceae, Polygonaceae, Portulacaceae, and Solanaceae
NOTE South American hawkmoth caterpillar that can be a grape pest
CONSERVATION STATUS Not evaluated, but generally uncommon

ADULT WINGSPAN
2 ⁄ –3⅛ in (65–80 mm)
CATERPILLAR LENGTH
3⅜–3½ in (85–90 mm)
HYLES EUPHORBIARUM
HYLES EUPHORBIARUM 449

(GUÉRIN-MÉNEVILLE & PERCHERON, 1835)

Hyles euphorbiarum caterpillars hatch from more than
800 eggs laid singly on the host plants by the female moth.
The first instar larvae are green but develop aposematic
coloration in later instars—a warning to would-be predators of
their distastefulness. The caterpillars feed openly on host plants
and develop rapidly. Mature caterpillars pupate in an earthen cell
a few inches below ground and form orangish-brown pupae.
Before eclosion, the pupae wriggle their way to the soil surface.

The adult moths, which y throughout the year in most locations

within their range, with the greatest numbers seen in March,
July, September, and November, are primarily nocturnal,
readily attracted to light, and visit many kinds of flowers.
In some locations, caterpillars of this species cause economic
damage to grapevines. There are about 30 species of hawkmoths The Hyles euphorbiarum caterpillar is variably
throughout the world in the genus Hyles, which is thought to colored but usually black with yellow or orange
transverse stripes on each segment. On most
have originated and evolved in the Neotropical region. segments a black-and-white eyespot is located
anteriorly, which may be reduced in some
populations. The head, legs, and posterior
spine are red.

Actual size