The Achemon sphinx moth (Eumorpha Achemon) is an occasional California vineyard pest as it is quite fond of feeding on wild and cultivated Vitis species. The adult moths are rarely seen as they fly only at night and usually hide during the day. Achemon caterpillars are rapacious feeders and can consume 9 Vitis leaves in a 24 hour period. Great! Not exactly the type of leaf removal I was planning on. I haven't spotted any naked vines thus far, so I think Vinoland is safe - for now.
4 comments:
Wow! How neat a creature is this? Great nature photo too! Thx for sharing!
Great photo and fabulous camouflage.
NHW: I thought it was a very cool moth, that is until I read how destructive it can be.
Tomasso: Yes, in the dappled sunlight it really looked like a dead leaf.
Every (mostly) rose has thorns. Still a fascinating stiff-winged moth!
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