Theretra indistincta

Theretra indistincta (Butler, 1877)
(one synonym : Chaerocampa cleopatra)
MACROGLOSSINAE, SPHINGIDAE

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

(updated 5 April 2006)

early instar
(Photo : courtesy of Tom and David Sleep, Queensland)

These caterpillars are green or brown, with a row of white encircled green spots with white centres along each side, one per segment. The tail has a stout red horn curving back with a black tip. The caterpillars have been found feeding on the foliage of:

Cultivated Grape Vine ( Vitis vinifera, VITACEAE ).

later instar
(Photo : courtesy of Tom and David Sleep, Queensland)

The mottled brown form of the caterpillar still has lateral rows of green circled spots and red tailhorn with a black tip.

(Photo : courtesy of Tom and David Sleep, Queensland)

The pupa is mottled brown, with two prominent black spots each side, beside the developing wing chambers.

(Photo : courtesy of Tom and David Sleep, Queensland)

The adult moths of this species are brown. The forewings each have a small dark spot near the middle, and a faint dark subterminal line. The hindwings are darker but each has a pale margin. Uniquely, the moths have pink antennae.

(Photo : courtesy of Tom and David Sleep, Queensland)

The illustrated specimens were caught near Gatton and Mackenzie, Queensland.

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