Species Detail

Virginia creeper sphinx

Darapsa myron (Cramer, 1780)

JPG -- species photo

Attributes of Darapsa myron


Family: Sphinx Moths, Hawkmoths (Sphingidae)

Subfamily: Macroglossinae (Macroglossinae)

Identification: Forewing upperside is dark brown to pale yellowish gray, with an olive tint. On the costal margin is a dark rectangular patch, although this may be reduced or absent. Upperside of hindwing is pale orange.

Life history: Females lay eggs in twos or threes on the underside of host leaves. Eggs hatch in 5 or 6 days and the young caterpillars eat their eggshells. Fully-grown caterpillars spin a loose cocoon in fallen leaves on the ground.

Flight: . Several broods throughout the year in Florida, two broods from March-September in the rest of the range.

Wing span: 1 3/4 - 2 9/16 inches (4.5 - 6.5 cm).

Caterpillar hosts: Virginia creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia), Grape (Vitis), Ampelopsis, and Viburnum.

Adult food: Flower nectar.

Habitat: Woodlands and brushy areas.

Range: Maine south to south Florida; west to North Dakota, Nebraska, New Mexico, and Texas.

Conservation: Not usually required.

NatureServe Global Status: G5 - Demonstrably secure globally, though it may be quite rare in parts of its range, especially at the periphery.

Management needs: None reported.

Documented Records for Darapsa myron



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