Chestnut Hawk-moth
Common NameChestnut Hawk-moth
Scientific NameAcosmeryx castanea
FamilySphingidae
SubfamilyMacroglossinae
Wingspan (mm)70
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorsbrown, grey, white
HabitatForests, woodlands, gardens, plantations
Geographic RangeOriental region (India, Nepal, China, Japan, Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia)
Host PlantsVitis, Parthenocissus, Ampelopsis, Schefflera
Flight PeriodMultiple broods, varies by region (e.g., April to October in China)
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are typically green or brown with lateral stripes and a caudal horn, feeding on various plants in the Vitaceae family. Pupation occurs in a cocoon in the soil or leaf litter.
Identification TipsKey features include the mottled brown and grey forewing pattern, the distinct white discal dash, and the relatively straight outer margin of the forewing. The overall shape is characteristic of the genus Acosmeryx.
Description
A medium-sized hawk moth with cryptically patterned forewings in mottled shades of brown and grey, featuring darker bands and a prominent white dash near the discal cell. The hindwings are typically plainer brown.
