This moth was previously identified in Hong Kong by Tony Galsworthy, and subsequently by Roger Kendrick.  Until now, little is know about it in Hong Kong.  The larvae pictured below are conjectured with a fair amount of certainty to be the larvae of this moth, though, since no reared specimens have yet successfully eclosed, there is still a small amount of doubt.  The larvae are quite common beginning in December, feeding on Ligustrum sinense.  The larvae in a group develop at differing rates, so it is difficult to determine the exact number of instars, but there appear to be at least 5, possibly 6.  The pupa is fairly typical and in the wild would normally be made in leaf litter or possibly in the ground, to remain dormant until the following November.  A single moth was taken on November 10, 2001 in Shau Kei Wan.  Another specimen was found in the same area on Novermber 1, 2003.  5 other specimens were taken in a car park on the same date at Braemar Hill, North Point    The dates of the moth appearance compared with the dates of the larvae appearance, combined with the species ID and the LFP leads me to believe that these are the larvae of this moth.  The male and female moths look quite similar, though the female is larger and more robust.  Although the larva can be handled with little fear of its spines, handling of the cocoon material using the cetae can result in itching fingers.

These 2nd(?) instar larvae were found clustered together on the top surface of a leaf,
under an umbrella tent of webbing to await instar change; there's about 14 larvae there!
Dec 13, 2002 at Choi Sai Wu Park, North Point
about 1 cm / 0.4 inch long

The larva on the left was from the cluster above, Dec 18, 2002.
The larva on the right was found singly, Dec 21, 1998.
Both were about 2 cm / 0.75 inch long.

The larva at the top was preparing for instar change.
The bottom 4th(?)  instar larvae was about 2.8 cm / 1.2 inches long.
Its cast off skin can be seen just above it.
Jan 4, 2003.

These 5th(?) instar larvae were about 3.8 cm / 1.5 inches long.
Jan 20, 2002.

This stretched out 6th(?) instar larva is about 4.6 cm / 1.8 inches long.
It's resting on a flowering branch of its LFP.
March 27, 2002.

A pre-pupal form with a subsequent pupa;
It was 3 cm / 1.2 inches long.
Pupation took place on April 6, 2002
Note the incorporation of the larval cetae in the cocoon.

A female moth in rest position.
Wingspan  is 8.2 cm / 3.2 inches.

Top side of moth.
Wingspan  is  7.2 cm / 2.8 inches.
Underside of moth.

 

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