Theretra japonica is a hawkmoth of East Asia, found in Japan, Korea, China, and the Russian Far East. It does not occur in the United States. Its caterpillars feed mainly on grapevine-family plants such as Boston ivy and wild grapes.
Appearance
- Appearance
- A mid-sized hawkmoth with a wingspan of about 2.2–3.1 in (55–80 mm). The brown forewings carry a pale, blurry diagonal stripe running back from the wing tip.
Where it lives
- Range
- Japan, Korea, China, and the Russian Far East. It is not found in North America.
Behavior
- Activity
- Adults fly from about May to September depending on location. Like other hawkmoths, they hover at flowers to sip nectar.
Life cycle
- Larva
- The caterpillar comes in green and brown forms, has a row of eyespots that are largest near the front of the body, and carries a horn at the tail end.
- Caterpillar food plants
- In Japan, Korea, and China the caterpillars eat a range of plants, especially the grape family (grapevines, Boston ivy, peppervines, bushkiller), plus hydrangea, taro, sweet potato, and evening primroses.
Conservation
- IUCN Red List
- NENot EvaluatedNot yet assessed
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