Description: It is a large moth belonging to the family Sphingidae, with a robust body and long, narrow wings adapted for strong and sustained flight. Coloration is variable, dominated by olive, brown, and greenish tones, with wavy patterns that provide excellent camouflage while resting on vegetation. The hindwings often show lighter contrasts visible in flight. The larvae are large and conspicuous, usually green, with oblique pale lines and a characteristic caudal horn, typical of sphinx moths.

Geographic distribution: It is widely distributed throughout the Americas, from the southern United States and Mexico to South America, including much of Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay, and Argentina. Its presence is closely linked to the availability of host plants, resulting in a wide but locally uneven distribution.

Habitat: It inhabits forests, woodlands, rural areas, gardens, and agricultural landscapes, adapting well to both natural and modified environments. It is common in regions with abundant shrubs and climbing plants, where larval host plants occur.

Diet: Adults feed on flower nectar, obtained using a long proboscis, allowing them to visit deep flowers and act as nocturnal pollinators. Caterpillars are herbivorous, feeding mainly on leaves of Vitaceae, including wild and cultivated grapevines, as well as related plants.

Behavior: It shows nocturnal and crepuscular activity, often being attracted to artificial lights. Its flight is fast and steady, resembling that of a hummingbird when hovering in front of flowers. During the day, it remains motionless and well camouflaged among foliage.

Reproduction: It is oviparous, laying eggs singly on host plants. Development includes well-defined larval stages, a pupal phase usually in the soil, and a relatively short adult lifespan, with the life cycle closely linked to seasonality and temperature.

Conservation status: It is not currently listed under any global threat category. It is generally regarded as Not Evaluated or of Least Concern, although locally it may be affected by pesticide use and the reduction of host plants.

Author of this compilation: EcoRegistros – 15/12/2025