Ello Sphinx Moth

(Erinnyis ello)

Identification

Fully-grown caterpillars spin cocoons on the soil surface and eat Papaya (Carica papaya) in the Caricaceae family; various plants in the spurge family (Euphorbiaceae) including Poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima) and Guava (Psidium species) in the myrtle family (Myrtaceae). The adults feed at night on nectar from flowers including Bouncing Bet (Saponaria officinalis).

Remarks To attract the Ello Sphinx moth to your garden plant Papaya, Guava and Poinsettia.