The Caterpillars of this species are usually green but occasionally can be brown. They have seven eyespots along each side of the abdomen which diminish in size toward the tail. Early instars have a yellow line running along each side of the body. The green form is spotted with dark green, and there is a row of purple spiracles along each side. When disturbed, the anterior eyespots can be expanded. The caterpillars have a horn on the tail which is black and straight in early instars, but becomes backward-curving and brown with a black tip in mature caterpillars. The Caterpillars have been found feeding on various climbers in the Grape Family ( VITACEAE ), including :

Giant Stinging Tree ( Dendrocnide excelsa, URTICACEAE ).

(Photo: courtesy of Tom and David Sleep, Queensland)

Pupation usually occurs in ground litter. The pupa is a blotchy pale brown.

(Photo: courtesy of Tom and David Sleep, Queensland)

The adult moths of this species are fawn in colour, with a dark curved line running from the apex to the inner margin on each forewing, and a dark area toward the base of each hindwing. The wingspan is about 8 cms.

(Photo: courtesy of Tom and David Sleep, Queensland)

The eggs are pale green, smooth and oval, with a diameter of about 2 mm.

The species is found across south-east Asia as two subspecies :

New South Wales.

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Further reading :

Ian F.B. Common,
Moths of Australia, Melbourne University Press, 1990, fig. 41.9, p. 415.

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(updated 25 January 2010)