Hawk moths (Sphingidae)

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Hawk moths (Sphingidae)

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Discussion

ibaird wrote:

20 Dec 2024

Not G. australiensis? OK, I expect G. eras is more likely given the southern location for the sighting.

Gnathothlibus eras

WendyEM wrote:

20 Dec 2024

Yes, thanks Don, that is a good match. It has the single eye spot at posterior end too. It was the lack of diagonal lines on its side that tricked me. And it is a recorded vine eater.

Gnathothlibus eras

donhe wrote:

20 Dec 2024

Moulds et al show a 5th instar larva of Gnathothlibus eras on plate26i that has only 2 eyespots, like this has, although that is a brown form. The larval pattern and colour seem quite variable, so I think this is within the range of the variablity of that species. But of course: the ultimate test is to rear it to an adult.

Gnathothlibus eras

arjay wrote:

19 Dec 2024

We do have Hipotion scrofa here. That's the only one I know of. Doesn't mean there aren't others. Just that I haven't seen them. Thanks for the info on further development ... nice to know what to watch out for. They are amazing to watch. But then most wildlife is so that isn't saying anything new.

Gnathothlibus eras

WendyEM wrote:

19 Dec 2024

Well done on the observations. Jim Tuttle did the raising obs for MonAusLep Vol.13. Some Hawk moth pupa are distinctive as they have a loop at head end which I presume holds their impressive tongue. I've checked book for some pupation info for Genera known to eat *Vitis vinifera - Acosmeryx, Gnathothlibus, Hippotion, Hyles, Theretra. Acosmeryx "Pupation occurs on the soil surface in a flimsy cocoon of leaf litter and soil bound by silk" p.49 final insar is smooth & stout, lacks eyespots and head and 'thorax' are small, head rounded. Shots of larvae online show this. One sp takes 2-3wks to pupate in warm season. Some genera pupate in a cell in the soil several cm underground.

Gnathothlibus eras