# Oleander Hawkmoth (*Daphnis nerii*) The Oleander Hawkmoth is a colorful insect that looks like a small bird when it flies. It has beautiful green and brown patterns on its wings, making it easy to spot in gardens and parks. - **Category:** [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/insect) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 2/5 · Low - **Snaps:** 2 - **Habitat:** Gardens ![Oleander Hawkmoth](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Redirect/file/Daphnis_nerii_MHNT_CUT_2010_0_290_Aurangabad_Maharashtra_India_male.jpg&width=800) Photo: Didier Descouens, CC BY-SA 4.0 · [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Daphnis_nerii_MHNT_CUT_2010_0_290_Aurangabad_Maharashtra_India_male.jpg) ## Appearance The Oleander Hawkmoth has striking camouflage, with a vibrant mix of green, pink, and white patterns that mimic foliage. Its forewings display intricate wavy lines, while the hindwings are reddish-brown. This large moth's intricate coloration makes it hard to spot among leaves. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Arthropoda - **Class:** Insecta - **Order:** Lepidoptera - **Family:** Sphingidae - **Genus:** Daphnis ## Interesting facts - Adult Oleander Hawkmoths only drink nectar; they don't eat any solid food! - Caterpillars reveal scary 'eye spots' when threatened, looking like a snake's head! - Their caterpillars safely munch toxic oleander leaves, gaining protection from predators! - These moths are amazing long-distance flyers, migrating across oceans and continents! ## Special abilities - **Hovering Nectar Siphon:** Oleander Hawkmoth can hover like a hummingbird because of its powerful wings that help them sip nectar while flying. - **Deep Nectar Reach:** Oleander Hawkmoth has a very long proboscis that helps them reach nectar deep inside tubular flowers. ## Measurements & details - **Wingspan:** 90-120 mm - **Size:** 50-60 mm - **Lifespan:** 45-60 days - **Flight Speed:** 45 km/h - **Leg Count:** 6 ## Diet & Feeding Adults drink flower nectar, while caterpillars munch on plant leaves, especially oleander. - **Age differences:** Larvae eat plant leaves, while adults only drink flower nectar using a long proboscis. - **Primary Foods:** Oleander leaves, Jasmine nectar, Honeysuckle nectar, Periwinkle leaves - **Foraging Method:** Foraging ## Ecological connections - **Pollinates:** Common Jasmine (*Jasminum officinale*) — Adults feed on its nectar, aiding in its reproduction. - **Eats:** [Oleander](https://www.snappit.app/explore/oleander) (*Nerium oleander*) — Caterpillars consume its leaves, absorbing its toxic compounds. - **Eaten by:** [Barn Owl](https://www.snappit.app/explore/barn-owl) (*Tyto alba*) — These nocturnal hunters can catch adult moths in flight. - **Parasitizes:** Tachinid Fly (*Sturmia bella*) — Its larvae develop inside the moth caterpillar, eventually killing it. ## Traits - [Solitary](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/solitary): Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care. - [Colorful](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/colorful): Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors. - [Herbivorous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/herbivorous): This trait characterizes organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of plant material. - [Diurnal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/diurnal): Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night. - [Speedster](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/speedster): This trait identifies organisms that exhibit exceptional swiftness in movement for hunting, escape, or travel. - [Migratory](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/migratory): Migratory animals undertake seasonal movements from one region to another, typically in response to changes in climate or food availability. - [Urban Friendly](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/urban-friendly): This habitat trait indicates species that can coexist with humans in urban and suburban environments, utilizing man-made structures and green spaces. - [Pollinator](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/pollinator): Describes organisms that transfer pollen, enabling the fertilization and reproduction of plants. ## Collections - [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/insects) ## Safety **Danger:** 2/5 · Low Don't touch the caterpillars, as they can be a bit prickly! ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How to identify Oleander Hawkmoth? Compare resting wing shape, forewing markings, antennae and body build. Small brown moths can hinge on fine details a phone photo can't always catch. Moth Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details. ### What is Oleander Hawkmoth's wingspan? 90-120 mm ### How big is Oleander Hawkmoth? 50-60 mm ### How long does Oleander Hawkmoth live? 45-60 days ### How fast can Oleander Hawkmoth fly? 45 km/h ### What does Oleander Hawkmoth eat? Adults drink flower nectar, while caterpillars munch on plant leaves, especially oleander. ### Where is Oleander Hawkmoth usually found? Gardens ### How does Oleander Hawkmoth hunt? Foraging ## Where to spot - [Chinatown](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/chinatown) — Hawaii, US · Neighborhood - [Foster Botanical Garden](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/foster-botanical-garden) — Hawaii, US · Botanical Garden - [Hawaii Capital Historic District](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/hawaii-capital-historic-district) — Hawaii, US · Historic District - [Liliuokalani Botanical Garden](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/liliuokalani-botanical-garden) — Hawaii, US · Botanical Garden - [Merchant Street Historic District](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/merchant-street-historic-district) — Hawaii, US · Historic District - [Waikiki Aquarium](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/waikiki-aquarium-hawaii) — Hawaii, US · Aquarium [View all places to see Oleander Hawkmoth](https://www.snappit.app/guides/where-to-see/oleander-hawkmoth) ## More Insects - [Common Eastern Bumble Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/common-eastern-bumble-bee) (*Bombus impatiens*) - [Spotted Lanternfly](https://www.snappit.app/explore/spotted-lanternfly) (*Lycorma delicatula*) - [Brown-belted Bumble Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/brown-belted-bumble-bee) (*Bombus griseocollis*) - [Eastern Carpenter Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-carpenter-bee) (*Xylocopa virginica*) --- Source: [Oleander Hawkmoth: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/oleander-hawkmoth)