Agrius convolvuli (Convolvulus Hawkmoth)
We have found this moth at Claire Cottage on the Dorrigo Plateau.
Distribution: Throughout mainland Australia
Sighted at Claire Cottage between September & April.
We have found this moth at Claire Cottage on the Dorrigo Plateau.
Distribution: Throughout mainland Australia
Sighted at Claire Cottage between September & April.
Agrius convolvuli (Convolvulus Hawk Moth)
We have found this moth at Claire Cottage on the Dorrigo Plateau.
Distribution: Throughout mainland Australia
Moth Sightings:
- DORRIGO PLATEAU:
- 11 in Sep 2018(3) 2020(8);
- 09 in Oct 2020(7) 2022(2);
- 35 in Nov 2018(3), 2020(30), 2022, 2023(f),
- 10 in Dec 2012, 2018(8) 2020;
- 15 in Jan 2011, 2021(2), 2022(6), 2023(2), 2024(4),;
- 26 in Feb 2004, 2020, 2021(10), 2022(2), 2023(7), 2024(5),
- 57 in Mar 2019, 2020(49), 2021(3), 2022(2), 2023(1) 2024(1),
- 04 in Apr 2020(4);
- Final Autumn sighting at Claire Cottage: 16/04/20 - feeding on Pentas & yellow (seedless) Lantana.
- ELSEWHERE: Wonga Beach, FNQ.,(between Mossman & Daintree Village) Jun 2005, May 2014
Larva Sightings:
- DORRIGO PLATEAU: Jan 2004
- ELSEWHERE: Artarmon, Sydney (1960's), Urunga, NSW (1980's), Wonga Beach, FNQ (May 2005), , Whyanbeel FNQ approx 2012, Daintree Village, FNQ (Apr 2015)
Larval food plants:
- DORRIGO PLATEAU: Lamiaceae; *Salvia elegans (Pineapple Sage)
- ELSEWHERE: as for Dorrigo Plateau plus Convolvulaceae: Calystegia sepium, Ipomoea hederifolia*, Ipomoea batatas (Sweet Potato)*, Ipomoea cairica*, Ipomoea indica (Morning Glory)*, Merremia dissecta*, Polymeria sp., Stictocardia tiliifolia.
Breeding season on the Dorrigo Plateau: Thought to be September to April
Flight habit: Nocturnal - Active at night.
Time to light - Dec 2018-between 22.00&04.30(8 moths).
Adult Moth: Size at rest - tip of thorax to tip of forewing: 45mm&50mm&60mm
Adult Moth: Size forewing tip to forewing tip: 25mm & 20mm.
This moth is easily identifiable by the beautiful white, pink and black horizontal stripes on its body.
Mature larva: length - ??mm.
Colour form: Final instar: There is a variety of larval colour forms ranging from all Green to all Black with a mixture of Green, Black & White also possible with a range of markings. N.B. the larval photos above.
Eye Spots: None
Other distinguishing features: White or black diagonal stripes along both sides tinged with purple.
Caudal Horn: Red with a black tip in final istar - it is backward-curving.
Pupa: Formed under leaf litter below food plant - note the large tongue case.
Interesting observations: We have noticed that the adult (moth) seems to have at least two colour forms. One being a uniform grey form whilst the other form is grey with some very dark grey to black markings which have a close resemblance to markings on some of the Psilogramma Hawk Moths.
Sept. 2018 - In an effort to attract moths at night we are now using a GECKO UV 50W Lamp which produces a dull blue light. After running the light for two cool nights (6C-8C) in mid September moth numbers were very low but it has attracted 3 Agrius convolvuli Hawks. Note this light is unsuitable for taking moth photos on the sheet as it introduces a blue hue over the moth.