Australasian Privet Hawkmoth
Common NameAustralasian Privet Hawkmoth
Scientific NamePsilogramma menephron
FamilySphingidae
SubfamilySphinginae
Wingspan (mm)120
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorsgrey, black, white
HabitatForests, woodlands, suburban gardens, parks
Geographic RangeAustralasia, Southeast Asia, parts of East Asia (e.g., Australia, New Zealand, New Caledonia, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Fiji, Vanuatu, India, China, Japan)
Host PlantsLigustrum, Syringa, Olea, Jasminum, Vitex, Clerodendrum
Flight PeriodMultiple broods throughout warmer months, varies by region (e.g., spring to autumn in Australia)
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on host plants. Larvae are large, green or brown caterpillars with a prominent horn at the rear, feeding on various shrubs and trees. Pupation occurs in an underground chamber.
Identification TipsLook for its large size, the distinctive mottled grey-brown forewing pattern resembling tree bark, and the robust, streamlined body typical of hawkmoths. The hindwings are generally darker than the forewings.
Description
A large, robust hawkmoth with a mottled grey and black cryptic pattern on its forewings and body, providing excellent camouflage against tree bark. Its hindwings are typically darker with faint banding.
