The Mournful Sphinx

 This Mournful Sphinx moth (Enyo lugubris) was pointed out to me this morning by MOSI Box Office Manager Lisa B. Clinging to a light colored concrete wall, the dark wings of this odd shaped moth were obvious and beautiful. 


This species can be found throughout South and Central America and north into North America from Arizona east to Florida and north to North Carolina. Strays have been found as far north as New York and Michigan. 


Identification:
Body and wings are dark brown. Forewing has a large black patch covering most of the outer half of the wing, a pale tan cell spot, and a fairly straight median line to the inside of the cell spot. (BAMONA)



Larval Hosts:
This species of Sphinx moth hosts on grape vines and related species.

• Grape vine (Vitus)
• Princess vine (Cissus sicyoides)
• Pepper vine (Ampelopsis arborea)

What's in a Name?

• Genus Enyo:(Greek: Ενυω) meaning "warlike" or "horror". Enyo was a goddess of war associated with Ares and with Eris, the goddess of strife. A genus of jumping spiders is named after the goddess Eris. 

• Species lugubris: (Latin: lūgeō) meaning “mourn" or "lament”