Family SPHINGIDAE
Subfamily Macroglossinae
Hippotion scrofa is found in all Australian states and territories. This is our most common Hawk Moth which we have seen from August to May. The most we’ve had come in one night to the moth light was 104.
In summer, early in the evenings the moths come to the garden to feed on flowers. They fly very fast pausing for only moments to probe their long proboscis deep into tubular flowers to find nectar.
The caterpillars are said to feed on various garden plants in several families, as well as Cayratia clematidea, Native Grape VITACEAE. However, we have only found them on the herbaceous plant, Gallium leicocarpum, Bedstraw RUBIACEAE. The caterpillars have several colour forms.
