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Pellucid hawk moth

Pellucid hawk moth

Cephonodes hylas

A species of Cephonodes, Also known as Coffee clearwing, Larger pellucid hawk moth, Coffee hawk moth

It has transparent wings and a stout body like a bumble bee. Its wingspan of 4.5 - 7 cm. Its marginal borders are very narrow and black. Abdomen varies in colour from yellow to green. Larva have two colour forms, green and blackish. In greenish form, body greenish with a white-bordered blue dorsal line and whitish sub-dorsal line ending in a yellow streak at base of horn. Head and spiracles are blue. In the dark-coloured form, head brown or pale orange and rest of body smoky black. Pupa dark brown.

General Info About Pellucid hawk moth
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Attributes of Pellucid hawk moth
Colors
Brown
Black
Green
Yellow
Habitat
coffee plant; suburban
Adult Food Sources
Jasminum spp., lantana camara, stachytarpheta spp., duranta erecta, pentas lanceolata
Larva Food Source
Gardenia jasminoides, randia fitzalanii, pavetta indica, ixora chinensis, coffee plants
Biting/stinging
Not reported
Allergy-causing
Not reported
Defensive attack
Not reported
Venomous
Not reported
Non-poisonous
The Pellucid hawk moth is non-toxic and generally doesn't pose a risk to human health. No need for excessive worry.
Borer
Not reported
Pollinator
The Pellucid hawk moth is often found near the corolla, where its fluffy hairs easily pick up pollen, assisting in the pollination of the plant.
Pest-Eating Predatory
Not reported
Phytophagous
The Pellucid hawk moth feeds on plants, usually without causing significant harm. However, it's important to take the situation seriously if their numbers begin to increase significantly.
Predatory
Not reported
Biting animal or pet
Not reported
Mouthparts Type
Siphoning mouthparts
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Species Status of Pellucid hawk moth
It is found in the Near East, Middle East, East Asia, Southeast Asia and Australia.
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Distribution Area of Pellucid hawk moth
The Near East, Middle East, Africa, India, Sri Lanka, Japan, Southeast Asia and Australia
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Life Cycle of Pellucid hawk moth
Egg The egg stage begins when the female pellucid hawk moth deposits eggs on host plants. These eggs are often spherical and vary in color. They serve as the protection for the developing embryo and are typically immobile and non-feeding.
Larva Upon hatching, the larva or caterpillar pellucid hawk moth emerges, characterized by a worm-like shape and a voracious feeding habit. It grows rapidly, molting several times and displaying different coloration and patterns with each instar.
Pupal After reaching a certain size and maturity, the larva pellucid hawk moth forms a pupa. The pupal stage is a time of transformation, where the insect is immobile and encased within a protective chrysalis, undergoing significant internal changes.
Adult Emerging from the pupa, the adult pellucid hawk moth is marked by fully developed wings and functional reproductive organs. The body is hardened, and the adult is mobile, focusing on mating and laying eggs. The adult's coloration is also vibrant and distinct from previous stages.
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Adult Size of Pellucid hawk moth
4.5 - 7 cm
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Predators of Pellucid hawk moth Larvae
Birds, rodents, wasps, spiders, mantises
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Predators of Adult Pellucid hawk moth
Bats, birds, spiders, praying mantises
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Interesting Facts About Pellucid hawk moth
The pellucid hawk moth can hover like a hummingbird, a rare trait in its order, exhibiting aerial agility usually restricted to birds or certain insects.
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Scientific Classification of Pellucid hawk moth
Tips for Finding Pellucid hawk moth
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Youth Habitat of Pellucid hawk moth
Forests and Woodlands, Agricultural and Cultivated Areas
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Adult Habitat of Pellucid hawk moth
Forests and Woodlands, Urban and Suburban Areas, Tropical Rainforests, Agricultural and Cultivated Areas
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How Can You Attract Pellucid hawk moth
To attract adult pellucid hawk moth, use sweet substances such as nectar-rich flowers or artificial sugar solutions. Caterpillars of pellucid hawk moth may be attracted to their specific host plants.
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Habitat Preferences of Pellucid hawk moth Through Different Life Stages
The larvae of pellucid hawk moth are typically found on gardenia and coffee plant leaves where they feed and develop into pupae. Searching for them requires inspecting the undersides of the leaves where they may be camouflaged. The pupae are usually in the soil beneath the host plants; therefore, one might have to carefully sift through the top layer of the soil to find them. Adult pellucid hawk moth favor nectar-rich flowers and can be spotted hovering at dusk. To locate adults, visiting flowering gardens or areas where host plants grow during twilight can yield sightings of these active insects.
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When is the Best Time to Observe Pellucid hawk moth
For adult pellucid hawk moth, dusk and nighttime are ideal for observation when they are most active. Caterpillars can be found during daylight when they are feeding on host plants.
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What is the Best Weather to Observe Pellucid hawk moth
Warm, clear nights are optimal for observation of adult pellucid hawk moth, while overcast days following rain can be ideal for locating caterpillars, as they may be more active in cooler, moist conditions.
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How and Where Can You Find Pellucid hawk moth at Different Life Stages
Egg Eggs of pellucid hawk moth are tiny and may be laid on the undersides of leaves of host plants. Inspect the leaves carefully, especially near flower buds or fruits, where they might prefer to lay eggs to ensure food for the hatching larvae.
Larva Caterpillars of pellucid hawk moth can be found on or near their host plants. Look for signs of feeding such as chewed leaves and frass (caterpillar droppings) to locate them. They are often more prominent after a rain when temperatures are cooler.
Pupal Pellucid hawk moth pupae may be buried in the soil or hidden in crevices near the host plant. Gently digging around the base of host plants or checking for cocoon-like structures can lead to their discovery.
Adult Adult pellucid hawk moth are attracted to lights at night, making light traps effective. During the day, they can be spotted feeding on nectar from flowers, so gardens with flowering plants are good searching grounds. Use a gentle approach to avoid startling the creature.
Are Pellucid hawk moth harmful?
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Beneficial Effects of Pellucid hawk moth
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Explore how insects help as pollinators, pest predators, and biocontrol agents. From seed dispersal to decomposition, they play vital roles in our ecosystem.
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Pollinator
Pollinator
Prefer Plant Type
Asteraceae, Fruit Trees
Attract Plant Feature
Color, Smell
Pollination Behavior Reason
Eat Pollen Or Nectar, Collect Pollen To Feed Offspring
Pellucid hawk moth is known for its interesting pollination method. It is attracted to flowers by their vivid colors and sweet scents, hovering like a hummingbird while it feeds on pollen and nectar. While feeding for its sustenance, pellucid hawk moth inadvertently picks up pollen and transfers it to other flowers, aiding plant reproduction.
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