Dark-based Gliding Hawkmoth
Common NameDark-based Gliding Hawkmoth
Scientific NameTheretra nessus
FamilySphingidae
SubfamilyMacroglossinae
Wingspan (mm)90
Primary Colorsgrey-brown, dark brown, yellow-orange
HabitatTropical and subtropical forests, woodlands, gardens, disturbed areas
Geographic RangeOriental region (India, Southeast Asia, southern China, Taiwan, Japan) to New Guinea and parts of Australia
Host PlantsVitis, Dillenia, Leea, Impatiens, Amorphophallus
Flight PeriodYear-round in tropical regions; spring to autumn in temperate parts of its range
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae (caterpillars) are typically green or brown with distinctive eyespots on the anterior segments. They pupate in a loose cocoon in the soil or leaf litter.
Identification TipsKey features include the prominent dark basal patch on the thorax and forewing, the intricate wavy lines on the grey-brown forewings, and the yellowish-orange patch on the hindwings (though less visible at rest).
Description
This large hawkmoth has grey-brown forewings with intricate darker wavy lines and a prominent dark, almost black, patch extending from the thorax onto the base of the forewings. The hindwings are darker brown with a noticeable yellowish-orange patch.
