Hemeroplanes ornatus is a species of sphinx moth native from Mexico through northern South America. The species was first described by Walter Rothschild in 1894. [1]
H. ornatus is mainly light brownish gray with green, pink, and dark brown markings. In the forewing cell, there is a short silver mark. There is a greenish-brown stripe running the length of the abdomen, with three yellow lateral stripes on the second, third, and fourth segments.[2]
The female releases pheromones to attract males. The caterpillar is green, camouflaged against its host plant Fischeria panamensis.[1] However, when disturbed, the caterpillar hangs from the vine with his prolegs and puffs up its head and thorax. The underside of its body is brown, and it has a pair of false eyes on the thorax, making it look like a small snake. It will move back and forth and strike at predators.[3] [4]
. Novitates Zoologicae . 1 . Walter Rothschild, 2nd Baron Rothschild . 1894 . British Museum (Natural History) . 74 . 21 October 2010.