Meganoton nyctiphanes
Common NameMeganoton nyctiphanes
Scientific NameMeganoton nyctiphanes
FamilySphingidae
SubfamilySphinginae
Wingspan (mm)110
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorsgrey, brown, white, black
HabitatTropical and subtropical forests, woodlands
Geographic RangeSoutheast Asia (India, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines)
Host PlantsMichelia, Magnolia, Gardenia, Randia, Uvaria, Polyalthia
Flight PeriodYear-round in tropical climates, often multivoltine
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesUndergoes complete metamorphosis. Larvae are typically green or brown with a caudal horn, feeding on specific host plants before pupating in the soil or leaf litter.
Identification TipsKey features include its large size, robust body, and the distinctive cryptic pattern of grey and brown mottling on the forewings, which includes wavy lines and a prominent small, dark discal spot. Often found in tropical Asian forests.
Description
A large, robust hawk-moth characterized by its cryptic grey and brown mottled forewings, featuring intricate wavy transverse lines and a small, dark discal spot. Its stout body is similarly camouflaged.
