About Theretra silhetensis Walker, 1856
This moth species, Theretra silhetensis Walker, 1856, has a wingspan ranging from 60 to 72 mm. It can be distinguished from the similar species Theretra oldenlandiae by its much paler overall coloration and the presence of a white line running down the center of its abdomen. The forewing features a silvery line located beyond the oblique brown band, and the moth's other body parts are ochreous. The larvae of this species are extremely variable in color, ranging from yellow green and green to brown or greyish black. The most commonly observed larval color form is green with a reddish-brown dorsal area. Larvae have a paler subdorsal line, with equal-sized ocelli that have green centers on the 4th through 10th somites. The larval horn is also reddish brown. In terms of ecology, recorded host plants for the larvae include Colocasia antiquorum and Ludwigia species in southern China, Colocasia esculenta in Japan, and Ludwigia repens and Boerhavia species in India. Larvae have also been recorded feeding on numerous other host plants from other regions, including species of Arum, Caladium, Pistia, Kochia, Ipomoea, Boerhavia, Ludwigia, Rosa and Trapa.
