Cephonodes picus (Cramer, 1777)
(previously known as : Sphinx picus)
MACROGLOSSINAE, SPHINGIDAE

Don Herbison-Evans ( donherbisonevans@yahoo.com )
&
Stella Crossley

(updated 21 December 2009)

Cephonodes picus
(Specimen: courtesy of the The Australian Museum)

These caterpillars are usually green, with pale lines along the back and each side. The caterpillars have been found feeding on a variety of plants, including:

  • Jasmine ( Jasminum, OLEACEAE ),
  • Gardenia ( Gardenia, RUBIACEAE ), and
  • Rambutan ( Nephelium, SAPINDACEAE ).

    The adult moths soon lose the scales from the wings, leaving them transparent. The moths then resemble Bumble Bees, hence the name 'Bee Hawks' for the moths in this genus Cephonodes.

    The wings have uniformly narrow opaque edges. The abdomen is brown with a dark band across one abdominal segment, and a dark dorsal mark on the adjacent segment. The moths have a wingspan of about 5 cms.


    Cocos Islands 1982

    The species is found over much of the tropics, including

  • India,
  • the Philippines,
    as well as
  • Torres Strait Islands.

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