Japanese Hawkmoth
Common NameJapanese Hawkmoth
Scientific NameTheretra japonica
FamilySphingidae
SubfamilyMacroglossinae
Wingspan (mm)75
Wing Patternstriped
Primary Colorsbrown, reddish-brown, pinkish-grey, black
HabitatForests, woodlands, gardens, parks
Geographic RangeEast Asia (Japan, Korea, China, Taiwan, parts of Southeast Asia)
Host PlantsVitis, Aralia, Hydrangea, Rubia
Flight PeriodMay to October (multiple generations)
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on host plants. Larvae are typically green or brown with eyespots, pupating in a cocoon in the soil or leaf litter.
Identification TipsKey features include the distinct pale diagonal stripe on the forewing, the reddish-brown body, and the dark hindwings with a pinkish flush at the base.
Description
A medium-sized hawkmoth with a streamlined, reddish-brown body and pointed wings. The forewings are brown with a prominent pale, often reddish-brown, diagonal stripe running from the thorax to the wing apex, bordered by darker lines.
