Distribution
The grown up caterpillar shows eye spots on each sides of the swollen third thoracic segment. When agitated the larva retracts the head and the first two thoracic segments into the third one and the snake deception is complete. © Alessandro Giusti
The genus Eumorpha comprises around 25 described species with a Nearctic and Neotropical distribution. Eumorpha labruscae is distinguishable from the other species of the genus by its distinctive coloration.
The gaudy sphinx is found from the southern states of the USA, throughout the West Indies and Central and South America as far as northern Argentina.
Like many other hawkmoths the gaudy sphinx is a strong flier, and is also a long-range migrant. This could explain some records outside its reputed North American range, like the two larvae collected on virginia creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia), near Regina, Saskatchewan (Canada), in 2001.
Some specimens have also been recorded in Michigan, Minnesota and Maine. Interestingly, in spite of the large distribution, the adult individuals of this moth don’t vary much across its range.
A population in the Galapagos Islands has been recognized as the subspecies Eumorpha labruscae yupanquii. However the validity of this taxon is disputed as it differs only slightly from Eumorpha labruscae on the South America mainland.
Conservation
The gaudy sphinx has a relatively large distribution and is not classified as an endangered species.