About Eupanacra elegantulus Herrich-Schäffer
Eupanacra elegantulus Herrich-Schäffer is a moth species in the family Sphingidae. It is found in southeast Asia, with confirmed records from Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines. This species is visually similar to Eupanacra mydon, but differs in that the pattern markings on the upperside of its forewing are much clearer. Additionally, the discal spot of Eupanacra elegantulus is larger in males; in females, the discal spot is more prominent because females have a paler overall wing ground colour. The underside of its abdomen has two rows of black dots and one large black spot. The larvae of this moth have been recorded feeding on plants from the genera Aglaonema, Alocasia, Dieffenbachia, Syngonium, and the species Monstera deliciosa. Young larvae are slender and pale green, with a straight pale pink spine at the posterior end of their body. Larvae feed on the underside of their host plant's leaves, and rest near the base of host plant stems. Last instar larvae occur in both green and brown colour forms. Pupation occurs inside a loose silken cocoon that incorporates bits of debris. The life cycle of this moth includes a caterpillar stage, followed by a pre-pupation stage where the larva darkens in colour, before emerging as an adult brown moth with black spots. Larvae feed on leaves to grow, and young larvae are green with pale pink spines.
