Fauna
Insect · GBIF taxon 5123979

Vine Sphinx

Eumorpha vitis

Also known as Vine Sphinx Moth, Grapevine Sphinx

Vine sphinx moths are powerful, nocturnal flyers recognized by their striking geometric wing patterns of pale tan, dark green, and pink highlights. Adult moths hover gracefully in front of night-blooming blossoms to siphon nectar with a long proboscis, acting as key night pollinators. Their large caterpillars display dramatic pink and yellow hues with false eyespots that deter hungry birds along forest edges and vineyards.

NocturnalPollinatorMoth
Vine Sphinx reference1 / 7
Licensed reference(c) Edward Hurme, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
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Not EvaluatedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNot Evaluated — not placed on the risk ladderRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & prey
  • Flower Nectar
  • Grapevine Leaves
Predators
  • Bats
  • Insectivorous Birds
  • Spiders
ThreatsPesticide application in vineyards, artificial light pollution
HabitatsVineyards, forest edges, suburban gardens, tropical thickets
Life span1–2 months
Classification
  1. OrderLepidoptera
  2. FamilySphingidae
  3. GenusEumorpha
  4. SpeciesEumorpha vitis
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskLow
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is low
Safe to observe at a normal distance.
Responsible observation
  • Night Spotting: Check near outdoor porch lights or night-blooming flowers after sunset.
  • Host Plant Search: Inspect wild grapevines in late summer to spot feeding caterpillars.
  • Gentle Observation: Avoid shining bright flashlight beams directly at resting adults to prevent disorienting them.
Related species
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Found in Collections

Species set

Moonlight Marvels

Vine Sphinx is found in this collection. Identify it in Fauna to fill this slot and continue your progress.

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