Inchworm moth (Geometridae Geometrinae Dysphania militaris - (Linnaeus, 1758)

Found two larvae feeding on Rhizophoraceae Carallia brachiata (see below) at Tai Tam Reservoir on October 10, 1999 and two others on December 2, 2001.  Another younger instar was found on February 5, 2002.  From the images below, it can be seen that the coloring varies from a deep blue-green to an almost yellow, but the overall pattern remains the same.


Typical rest posture.


A nearly mature larvae in another typical rest posture
about 5 cm / 2 inch long;
found in December 2001.




A different, nearly mature larva, showing color variation;
about 4.7 cm / 1.9 inches long;
found in February, 2002.

A fully mature larva.


Pupation took place on Feb 17, 2002.


View of a male moth in rest position.


Top and Underside views of the female (left) and male (right) moth
Wingspan was about 8 cm / 3 inches (female) and 7.4 cm / 2.9 inches (male)


The larval foodplant, Rhizophoraceae Carallia brachiata
(ID'd by the Hong Kong Herbarium)
The leaves have a serrated edge.
 

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