Banded Sphinx Moth

This fabulously colored caterpillar is the incredibly color variable larva of the Banded Sphinx Moth (Eumorpha fasciata). These caterpillars come in brilliant green, pink and yellow, banded, and striped forms that often look nothing at all like each other. Often, two larva at the same point of development will look nothing whatsoever like each other and will often be thought to be separate species.

Banded Sphinx larvae are often found dining on the leaves of plants in the Primrose Willow family (Onagraceae). Especially fond of members of the wetland-growing genus Ludwigia which has 30 known species that are found in Florida. These caterpillars can be found both on Florida native species and non-native species such as Common Primrose Willow (Ludwigia peruviana). The larvae may also consume Fuscia (Fuchsia hybrida), Grape (Vitis), Virginia Creeper (Parthenocissus) and even Sweetbay magnolia (Magnolia virginiana).

Banded Sphinx moths breed continually in the Tampa Bay region excepting the coldest parts of winter. Larvae pupate in subterranean chambers and wiggle toward the surface before the eclose (hatch). The adult moths feed at night and nectar from flowers. Female moths emit a pheromone that males track to locate potential mates.

I’ll be raising this pretty little larva up to see is I can get some good pupa and moth photos. For scale, this caterpillars is longer than my index finger and measures 3 and 3/4 inches in length!