Hippotion celerio

 

 

Distribution:

throughout Africa (except the deserts and very dry regions), southern Europe and (sub)tropical Asia. It migrates annually as far north as Denmark and south to most of Australia. 

Wingspan:

In between 5,5 and 7 centimeter

Season:

continuously, with up to 5 flights annually

Food plants:

Onagraceae (Epilobium, Clarkia, Oenothera, Fuchsia, ...), Vitaceae (Vitis, Parthenocissus, Cissus, ...), Lythraceae (Lythrum, Cuphea, ...), Impatiens, Polygonaceae (Rumex, Polygonum, ...), Araceae (Zantedeschia, Arum, ...) and more

Rearing:

Easy and suitable for newcomers. Keep warm and clean, in well ventilated plastic containers. when young, move to a netted cage when older. Very fast growing and ready to pupate within 3 to 4 weeks. The pupal stage in between the  flights is short (2 to 3 weeks). It's nearly impossible to overwinter the pupae, adults emerge even with temperatures as low as 10°C. Treat as a continuously brooding species.

Difficulties:

none