Zurcher's Hawk-moth
Common NameZurcher's Hawk-moth
Scientific NameXylophanes zurcheri
FamilySphingidae
SubfamilyMacroglossinae
Wingspan (mm)80
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorsolive green, brown, dark brown
HabitatTropical rainforests, cloud forests
Geographic RangeCentral America (Costa Rica, Panama)
Host PlantsPsychotria (Rubiaceae)
Flight PeriodYear-round in tropical habitats, with peaks during wet seasons
Lifecycle NotesUndergoes complete metamorphosis. Larvae are typically green or brown, stout-bodied, often with eyespots and a caudal horn, feeding on specific host plants. Pupation occurs in the soil or leaf litter.
Identification TipsDistinguished by its unique cryptic forewing pattern of olive green and brown mottling, including a prominent dark discal spot and a series of dark dashes along the termen. The robust body and typical hawk moth shape are also key.
Description
A medium-sized hawk moth with forewings displaying a complex, mottled pattern of olive green, various shades of brown, and dark spots, providing excellent camouflage against bark or foliage. The body is robust and similarly patterned.
