Hyman LH 1943 (citation)- p 17-18, 'As is well known this species is cosmopolitan, having become established out of doors in many localities in tropical and subtropical countries, and in greenhouses and conservatories in the temperate zones, where, however, it never becomes sexually mature. Specimens for identification have been received as follows: U.S. Department of Agriculture, New Orleans, Louisiana, and Washington, DC., also green houses at Encanto, California, Jersey City, New Jersey, Urbana, Ohio, and Savannah, Georgia, sent by the U.S. National Museum; conservatory in Washington Park, Chicago, and Dreer's greenhouses at Rivertonh, New Jersey, sent by Hubricht. Specimens have also been taken out of doors in Puerto Rico, near Silver Springs, Florida, and in New Orleans and Baton Rouge, Louisiana. It may be expected that this species will become common in gardens and plantations in the West Indies, Florida and California. This worm is also common in the Hawaiian Islands and in the tropical parts of South America.'
Notes from synonyms