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Ello sphinx

Ello sphinx

Erinnyis ello

A species of Erinnyis, Also known as Cassava hornworm

This species is distinguished by its remarkable ability to hover like a helicopter as it feeds on nectar using a long proboscis, making it a proficient pollinator of various plant species. During its larval stage, ello sphinx displays a bold horn at its posterior end, a feature that disappears as it transforms into a robust, swift-flying adult capable of migrating considerable distances.

General Info About Ello sphinx
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Attributes of Ello sphinx
Colors
Brown
Black
Gray
Orange
Habitat
tropical and subtropical lowland and foothill
Adult Food Sources
Flower nectar of saponaria, flower nectar of nicotiana, flower nectar of asystasia, flower nectar of plumbago, flower nectar of petunia
Larva Food Source
Leaves of cassava (manihot esculenta), papaya (carica papaya), calabash tree (crescentia cujete), wild plum (ximenia americana), tumbo (passiflora mollissima)
Biting/stinging
Not reported
Allergy-causing
Not reported
Defensive attack
Not reported
Venomous
Not reported
Non-poisonous
The Ello sphinx is non-toxic and generally doesn't pose a risk to human health. No need for excessive worry.
Borer
Not reported
Biting animal or pet
Not reported
Mouthparts Type
Siphoning mouthparts
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Species Status of Ello sphinx
No protection required
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Distribution Area of Ello sphinx
Argentina, Central America, United States
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Life Cycle of Ello sphinx
Egg The ello sphinx begins as an egg, which is small, round, and often laid on the underside of leaves. The egg's color typically blends with the plant to avoid predation.
Larva Upon hatching, the larva of ello sphinx is worm-like, with a primary focus on feeding and growth. It is larger, with distinct banding or colorations, and several instars that molt as it grows.
Pupal Transforming into a pupa, ello sphinx is now immobile, undergoing internal reorganization. The pupal case may vary in color, camouflaging or dropping to the ground for protection.
Adult Emerging from the pupa, the adult ello sphinx develops wings and reproductive organs. The body is fully formed and hardened, and the creature is mobile, focusing on reproduction.
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Predators of Ello sphinx Larvae
Frogs, toads, birds, rodents, arachnids, mantises
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Scientific Classification of Ello sphinx
Tips for Finding Ello sphinx
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Youth Habitat of Ello sphinx
Tropical Rainforests, Agricultural and Cultivated Areas
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Adult Habitat of Ello sphinx
Tropical Rainforests, Agricultural and Cultivated Areas, Urban and Suburban Areas
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How Can You Attract Ello sphinx
For ello sphinx adults, one can use feeders with sweet liquids or flowers known to attract them, such as honeysuckle or jasmine. For ello sphinx caterpillars, one would focus on their host plants, which they feed upon, like cassava or frangipani.
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Habitat Preferences of Ello sphinx Through Different Life Stages
The larvae of ello sphinx are typically found on plants that they feed on, such as members of the Euphorbiaceae family. To find them, inspect leaves and stems of these plants for signs of feeding or the presence of caterpillars. The pupae usually reside in the soil or leaf litter near the host plants. Careful digging in the soil or searching through debris may reveal them. The adult ello sphinx frequents flowers for nectar, especially during dusk. Seeking them out would involve visiting flowering plants at the appropriate time of day when these insects are active. Each stage inhabits spaces closely tied to their survival and development needs.
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How and Where Can You Find Ello sphinx at Different Life Stages
Egg Eggs of ello sphinx are typically found on the undersides of leaves of the host plants. Careful inspection of host plant leaves, especially around the veins, can reveal their presence.
Larva Ello sphinx larvae can be found on or near their host plants, where they feed and grow. Look for signs of feeding, such as chewed leaves or frass (caterpillar excrement), to locate them.
Pupal Ello sphinx pupae are often buried shallowly in the soil or concealed in leaf litter near the host plants. Searching the ground around host plants, especially in a soft substrate, can uncover them.
Adult Adult ello sphinx can be located through the use of light traps at night, as they are attracted to light, or by searching for them on the flowers from which they feed during the early night hours.
Are Ello sphinx harmful?
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Harmful Effects of Ello sphinx
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Agricultural Pests

Ello sphinx larvae pose a significant threat to agriculture, particularly to cassava and sweet potatoes. As voracious leaf feeders, the larvae can cause defoliation, leading to reduced crop yields. A small number may result in mild damage, but a large infestation can lead to severe crop loss and economic hardship for farmers. These outcomes could potentially impact food security and increase reliance on pest control measures.

More Effects of Ello sphinx

Beneficial Effects of Ello 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
Pollination Behavior Reason
Eat Pollen Or Nectar
Ello sphinx is known to visit a variety of flowers in search of nectar, which they feed on. The long proboscis allows them to access deep nectaries, facilitating the pollination process as they transfer pollen from one flower to another, often attracted by the vivid colors and enticing scents of blooms.
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