White-banded Hunter Hawkmoth
Common NameWhite-banded Hunter Hawkmoth
Scientific NameTheretra nessus
FamilySphingidae
SubfamilyMacroglossinae
Wingspan (mm)105
Wing Patternstriped
Primary Colorsolive-green, brown, white
HabitatTropical and subtropical forests, woodlands, gardens, disturbed areas
Geographic RangeSouth and Southeast Asia (India, Sri Lanka, China, Japan, Taiwan, Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia), parts of Australia
Host PlantsVitis, Dillenia, Leea, Impatiens, Amorphophallus, Arum, Colocasia, Epipremnum, Pothos, Syngonium
Flight PeriodMultiple broods throughout the year in tropical regions; warmer months in subtropical areas
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are typically green or brown with distinct eyespots on the anterior segments, feeding on various plants before pupating in a shallow burrow in the soil.
Identification TipsKey features include the distinctive broad, diagonal white/cream band on the olive-green/brown forewings, and the robust, streamlined body typical of hawkmoths.
Description
A large hawkmoth with an olive-green and brown body and forewings, characterized by a broad, prominent diagonal white or cream-colored band running across the forewings.
