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Mournful sphinx

Mournful sphinx

Enyo lugubris

A species of Enyo

The mournful sphinx (Enyo lugubris) most likely gets its name from the somber colors that make us think of a desert environment, with deep, dark browns. Other people think that it may be related to its droopy posture, but this is just speculation. The insect is also attracted to lights, meaning it flies and is difficult to spot during the nighttime.

General Info About Mournful sphinx
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Attributes of Mournful sphinx
Adult Food Sources
Honeysuckle (lonicera spp.), jasmine (jasminum spp.), petunia (petunia spp.), nicotiana spp., aquilegia spp.
Larva Food Source
Grape (vitis spp.), dalechampia triphylla, serjania lethalis, cissus sicyoides
Biting/stinging
Not reported
Allergy-causing
Not reported
Defensive attack
Not reported
Venomous
Not reported
Non-poisonous
The Mournful sphinx is non-toxic and generally doesn't pose a risk to human health. No need for excessive worry.
Borer
Not reported
Pollinator
The Mournful sphinx is often found near the corolla, where its fluffy hairs easily pick up pollen, assisting in the pollination of the plant.
Pest-Eating Predatory
Not reported
Phytophagous
The Mournful sphinx feeds on plants, usually without causing significant harm. However, it's important to take the situation seriously if their numbers begin to increase significantly.
Predatory
Not reported
Biting animal or pet
Not reported
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Species Status of Mournful sphinx
It is found in North America.
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Distribution Area of Mournful sphinx
Costa Rica
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Appearance of Mournful sphinx
The wingspan is 5 - 6 cm. The body and wings are dark brown. The forewing has a large black patch covering most of the outer half of the wing. There is a pale tan cell spot, and a fairly straight median line to the inside of the cell spot.
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How to Identify Mournful sphinx?

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Life Cycle of Mournful sphinx
Egg The egg stage begins with the oval-shaped eggs of the mournful sphinx that are tiny and may have a distinct color which camouflages with the environment. They serve as a protective casing for the developing larva.
Larva Upon hatching, the larva of the mournful sphinx emerges. It is worm-like, lacks wings, and has a voracious appetite for leaves. During this stage, the larva will molt several times, increasing in size with each molt.
Pupal In the pupal stage, the mournful sphinx wraps itself in a cocoon or chrysalis, losing its worm-like shape. Metamorphosis occurs within, reorganizing the larval body into an adult. The pupa remains motionless, often camouflaged.
Adult Emerging from the pupa, the adult mournful sphinx’s development is marked by the presence of wings and functional reproductive organs. The body is fully formed and hardened, and the adult is mobile, focusing on reproduction.
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Adult Size of Mournful sphinx
5 - 6 cm
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Interesting Facts About Mournful sphinx
Mournful sphinx can hover in place like a hummingbird, a rare ability among moths that facilitates their precise navigation to feed on nectar from deep flowers.
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Scientific Classification of Mournful sphinx
Tips for Finding Mournful sphinx
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Youth Habitat of Mournful sphinx
Forests and Woodlands, Tropical Rainforests, Grasslands and Prairies
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Adult Habitat of Mournful sphinx
Forests and Woodlands, Tropical Rainforests, Grasslands and Prairies, Savannas, Mangroves and Coastal Wetlands
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How Can You Attract Mournful sphinx
Due to mournful sphinx's attraction to certain flowers and plants at the adult stage, a trap with floral scents or sugary solutions could be used.
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Habitat Preferences of Mournful sphinx Through Different Life Stages
The larvae of mournful sphinx typically thrive on grape vines and plants from the Dilleniaceae family, found in gardens and vineyards. Searching for eggs requires examining the underside of host plant leaves. Caterpillars are more conspicuous and can be located by inspecting leaves for chewed edges and frass. Pupae generally reside in shallow burrows or leaf litter on the ground near host plants. Adults, being nocturnal, are often found near light sources after dusk, or feeding on nectar from deep-throated flowers at dusk.
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When is the Best Time to Observe Mournful sphinx
The suitable time to find mournful sphinx varies with its life cycle stage. Caterpillars are often more visible during the day, while adults are typically active at dusk or during the night, especially for moth species.
Are Mournful sphinx harmful?
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Beneficial Effects of Mournful sphinx
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Explore how insects help as pollinators, pest predators, and biocontrol agents. From seed dispersal to decomposition, they play vital roles in our ecosystem.
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Pollinator
Pollinator
Attract Plant Feature
Color, Shape
Mournful sphinx are excellent pollinators, often seen hovering around flowers much like a hummingbird. They collect nourishment through their long proboscis which is well-adapted for accessing nectar and as a result, inadvertently collect pollen. Some possess an affinity for certain flowers, thereby influencing pollination patterns.
Common Questions People Also Ask
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