terloo sphinx

the Boerhavia in my yard has been attracting these moths and i was able to grab 14 caterpillars. I intend to culture this species in captivity.

Unlike most sphingidae, Proserpinus terlooii is a diurnal flier, which is why it's poorly documented- most specimens seen came to lights at dusk, leading researchers to incorrectly assume it's crepuscular. It behaves more like the related hummingbird clearwing in the genus Hemaris as an adult.

A rare and stunning mint-green macroglossine sphinx moth. males are smaller with a wingspan approx. 30 mm females grow larger- up to 60mm in wingspan. they only lay eggs on Boerhavia sp, better known as 'spiderlings'.