Observation date: May 01, 2016
Submitted by: johnphebert
Specimen type: Photograph
Observation notes: I found an Oleander Hawk Moth on the patio of my home on the early evening of 5/1/2016 in Breaux Bridge, Louisiana, USA. I had never seen anything like it and, upon further research, learned that this species is seldom seen in North America. After the photographs, I did not disturb the moth and returned the next morning to find that it was gone. Leading up to this sighting we had been experiencing heavy rainfall and strong southerly winds. My home is also surrounded by man pecan and oak trees but little to no flowers in the immediate vicinity.
Status: Resident
Verified by: stomlins701
Verified date: May 03, 2016
Coordinator notes: To submitter: Daphnis nerii, Oleander Hawk Moth, is found in Africa, Asia, and southern Europe. It would be an extremely rare stray in North America. This sighting is a similar-looking native species, Pandorus Sphinx, which is actually fairly common, and its caterpillar feeds on vines, particularly grape, muscadine, and Virginia Creeper. It is always exciting to find one of these because of their beautiful greenish color. SAT
