PEST
 
   NAME
     Hawk Moth
     Various Hawk Moth Species
 
   ORDER
     Lepidoptera
 
   FAMILY
     Sphingidae

Description of the Pest
Adults have a characteristic “delta winged” shape when at rest; wings may be twice as long as the body. Adults have a long siphoning proboscis; larvae have chewing mouth-parts. Colours of both the larvae and adults are variable, according to the species, and the food plant. Larvae are large, fleshy caterpillars, usually having a stiff spine at the end of the body.

Cissus Hawk Moth (Cizaria ardeniae), adult is a large moth with greenish forewings and the large fleshy lava is a brownish caterpillar up to 100mm long with a prominent spine on its tail. The lava may feed solitary or in small groups on leaves leaving only the midrib. Commonly found from tropical to sub tropical regions.

Doubleheaded Hawk Moth (Coequosa triangularis) is a brown moth with a wing span up to 150mm across and produces a large green larva with yellow strips up to 120mm long. It is a solitary feeder eating entire leaves and is found from tropical to sub tropical regions. 

  Privet Hawk Moth larvae	
Image by B. Sonsie

Privet Hawk Moth (Psilogramma menephron) adult is brownish up to 80mm across with narrow wings and the fleshy lava is a caterpillar up to 100mm long with dark oblique bands on its sides. The caterpillars may feed solitary or in groups consuming large amounts of foliage leaving only the mid rib of the leaves and depositing barrel-shaped faeces.

			

Appearance and Distribution of the Pest
Larvae appear during the warmer months and depending on the species they are found from tropical to temperate regions.

Life Cycle
These insects have a Holometabolous life cycle, ie. When metamorphosis is observed during the pupal stage.
Larvae drop to the ground to pupate in the soil or in leaf litter. Adults feed on nectar and cause little damage.

Period of Activity
These moths are indigenous to Australia and are active in spring and summer.

Damage Caused
The hawk moth is not normally a pest; unusually heavy larval infestations may defoliate a plant rapidly.  

Susceptible Plants
Many soft-foliaged plants are susceptible, including ornamentals and fruit trees. 
Cissus and Grevillea species are susceptible to the Cissus Hawk Moth (Cizaria ardeniae).

Ligustrum and Jasminum species are attacked by the Privet Hawk Moth (Psilogramma menephron).

Persoonia, Banksia and Macadamia species are attacked by the Doubleheaded Hawk Moth (Coequosa triangularis).

Cultural Control
Remove by hand and squash.

Biological Control
There is no significant biological control.

Chemical Control
Contact insecticide is effective, but seldom necessary. 
Note
Always read the label for registration details and direction of use prior to application of any chemicals.