Oleander Hawk Moth (Daphnis Nerii) cat?

[zac08]

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2308/2242493056_ec7676022a_o.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2239/2242493050_b9473f1947_o.jpg

:hmmm:

[Painted Jezebel]

Certainly has all the characteristics of a Daphnis nerii cat.

As an addition, here is a bad pic of the pupa, which my gardener found today. I put the measure next to it so you can see that it is not just the cat which is huge!

[hkmoths]

almost certainly D. nerii

Les - the pupa looks scorched, the pupae I've seen of this species have never been that dark - is it still active (does it wriggle?) - if not, then I'd suggest it may be parasitized.

cheers,

Roger.

[zac08]

Thanks for the ID. :grin2:

[Painted Jezebel]

Hi Roger, yes it is still wriggling, a lot! If it is parasitised, I have two more last instar cats due to pupate any day now. (Rescued from my Oleander bush before my gardeners sprayed the garden due to termite infestation)

[Painted Jezebel]

Sorry to hijack your thread, Michael, but it really is not worth starting a new one.

Here are photos of the pre-pupal colouration of the cat, and the adult, which emerged last night from the 'scorched' pupa.

[zac08]

Nice colours...

I will try to see if I can find the fella again.. and mebbe keep it too.

[hkmoths]

Thanks for the update, Les.

Super colours!

cheers, Roger.