"Daphnis nerii", commonly known as the oleander hawk-moth or army green moth, is a large moth of the Sphingidae family. It is notable for its striking appearance and size. The moth has a robust body and wings that are predominantly olive green, with white and pinkish markings and a distinct pale line extending from the head to the rear. The hindwings are a brighter pink to red, adding a vivid contrast to the muted tones of the forewings.
The oleander hawk-moth is widespread across parts of Africa, Asia, and Southern Europe, and has even been found as far afield as the Hawaiian Islands and parts of the British Isles, often migrating considerable distances. It is named after its primary larval food plant, the oleander, which contains toxic compounds that the larvae are able to ingest, making them unpalatable to many predators.
This moth is nocturnal and is often seen feeding on the nectar of strong-scented flowers at night. The presence of Daphnis nerii in an area is often a sign of a healthy oleander population, and its remarkable migratory patterns are of interest to scientists studying ecological connectivity and the effects of climate change on migratory species.
