Gnathothlibus erotus Cramer
Sphinx erotus Cramer, 1777, Uitl. Kapell., 2: 12.
Chromis erotus Cramer; Rothschild & Jordan, 1903: 503.
Diagnosis. The reddish brown forewings and brown-bordered orange hindwings
distinguish this species.
Taxonomic notes. The typical form flies in the Oriental tropics, and
eras Boisduval flies from the Moluccas eastwards.
Geographical range. Indo-Australian tropics and eastwards into Polynesia
as far as Pitcairn and Henderson Is.
Habitat preference. The species is not common. One specimen has been taken
in the lowlands, one in lower montane forest and two in upper montane
forest during recent surveys. None were taken during the Kinabalu survey
Biology. The larva is brown or green with green- or blue-ringed white
ocellar markings the posterior four of which are linked by a pale line.
Regional differences are mentioned in the generic account.
Recorded host-plants (Bell & Scott, 1937; Robinson, 1975; Moulds,
1981) are: Ipomoea (Convolvulaceae); Dillenia, Hibbertia
Escallonia (Escalloniaceae); Melastoma (Melastomataceae); Morinda, Pentas
(Rubiaceae); Cayratia, Cissus, Parthenocissus, Vitis (Vitidaceae).
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