Yam Hawkmoth
Common NameYam Hawkmoth
Scientific NameTheretra nessus
FamilySphingidae
SubfamilyMacroglossinae
Wingspan (mm)100
Wing Patternstriped
Primary Colorsolive-green, brown, golden-yellow
HabitatTropical and subtropical forests, woodlands, gardens
Geographic RangeSouth and Southeast Asia, East Asia, parts of Australia
Host PlantsDioscorea, Colocasia, Vitis, Impatiens
Flight PeriodMultiple broods throughout the year in tropical regions
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesUndergoes complete metamorphosis; larvae are typically green or brown with eyespots, feeding on host plants before pupating in the soil or leaf litter.
Identification TipsLook for the distinctive golden-yellow stripe running longitudinally across the olive-green thorax and forewings, and its streamlined, pointed body typical of hawkmoths.
Description
A large hawkmoth characterized by its olive-green and brown body, featuring a prominent golden-yellow stripe that extends from the head along the thorax and forewings. Its hindwings are typically dark brown with a reddish-brown band.
