Rhagastis castor explained

Rhagastis castor is a moth of the family Sphingidae first described by Francis Walker in 1856.

Distribution

It is known from Nepal, north-eastern India, Thailand, southern China and Vietnam, Sumatra, Java and Taiwan.

Description

The wingspan is 53–84 mm. It is similar to Rhagastis acuta and Rhagastis velata but larger, the forewings and hindwings are more elongate. It is distinguishable by the combination of the dark connection between the marginal band and the basal area on the forewing underside and the well developed abdominal golden stripes. The forewing underside marginal area is joined to the basal area by a streak. The third postmedian line is marked by a series of large and conspicuous black vein dots. The forewing and hindwing median area has a conspicuous red or salmon pink flush.

Biology

Larvae of subspecies R. c. aurifera have been recorded feeding on Amorphophallus and Vitis species in India. The larvae of subspecies R. c. formosana feed on Saurauia species.

Subspecies

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Pittaway . A. R. . Kitching . I. J. . 2018 . Rhagastis castor aurifera (Butler, 1875) -- Common mottled hawkmoth . Sphingidae of the Eastern Palaearctic . December 17, 2018.
  2. Web site: Pittaway . A. R. . Kitching . I. J. . 2018 . Rhagastis castor formosana Clark, 1925 -- Common mottled hawkmoth . Sphingidae of the Eastern Palaearctic . December 17, 2018.
  3. Web site: Pittaway . A. R. . Kitching . I. J. . 2018 . Rhagastis castor jordani Oberthür, 1904 -- Common mottled hawkmoth . Sphingidae of the Eastern Palaearctic . December 17, 2018.