Impatiens Hawk Moth

The Impatiens Hawk Moth is a member of the Sphingidae family found in India, China, Borneo, Japan, Philippines, Thailand, and Australia.

They are often considered a pest on both Busy lizzie (Impatiens wallerana) and Fuchsias (Fuchsia sp.). Caterpillars of this species have also been seen feeding on Arum lily (Zantedeschia aethiopica), Argentine trumpet vine (Clytostoma callistegioides), Climbing guinea flower (Hibbertia scandens), Billy goat plum (Planchonia careya), Godetia (Clarkia amoena), Star cluster (Pentas lanceolata), Australian native violet (Viola hederacea) and Slender grape (Cayratia clematidea). The larvae are black with yellow dots, they have a small spine on their tails and use it as a mimicked head. Before pupating the caterpillar will reach a length of about 70 mm.

The adult is brown with light brown stripes down the thorax. The stripes are mimicked on the inner margin of the forewing.

The egg hatches after 5 days, caterpillar phase takes up to 2 weeks. Before the caterpillar transforms into a pupa it looks for a dump cool place and stays immobile for three days. After between 11 to 12 days the adult moth emerges from the pupa.- based on actual observation of at least 10 specimens of different sets of brood and seasons.