Theretra japonica

Theretra japonica is a moth of the family Sphingidae first described by Jean Baptiste Boisduval in 1869.

Theretra japonica
Scientific classification
Domain:	Eukaryota
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Arthropoda
Class:	Insecta
Order:	Lepidoptera
Family:	Sphingidae
Genus:	Theretra
Species:	T. japonica
Binomial name
Theretra japonica (Boisduval, 1869)
Synonyms
Choerocampa japonica Boisduval, 1869 Deilephila suifuna Staudinger, 1892 Theretra japonica alticola Mell, 1939

Distribution

It is found in Japan, China, Korea and Russia.

Description

The wingspan is 55–80 mm.

• 
  Male, dorsal view
• 
  Male, ventral view
• 
  Female, dorsal view
• 
  Female, ventral view

Biology

• The moth flies from May to September depending on the location.

The caterpillars feed on a wide range of plants. Recorded food plants are: In China: Cissus, Colocasia, Hydrangea, Parthenocissus, Ampelopsis, Ipomoea batatas, Cayratia japonica, Vitis and Ludwigia. Recorded in Korea on Colocasia antiquorum, Oenothera erythrosepala, Circaea mollis and Hydrangea paniculata. In Japan they feed on Hydrangea paniculata, Ampelopsis glandulosa, Cayratia japonica, Circaea, Fuchsia, Oenothera biennis, Oenothera stricta, Parthenocissus tricuspidata and Vitis. In the Russian Far East they are found on Vitis amurensis.

External links

• Pittaway, A. R.; Kitching, I. J. (2018). "Theretra japonica (Boisduval, 1869)". Sphingidae of the Eastern Palaearctic. Retrieved December 18, 2018.