The Oleander Hawk Moth, also known as Army Green Moth, belongs to family Sphingidae. It is widely distributed across Asia, Africa, southern Europe and also found on some Hawaiian Islands. The species is migratory and there are recorded instances of the populations migrating from Asia to southern Europe through Turkey.
The species gets its name from Nerium olender, as its larvae feeds on the leaves of this small tree. The larvae is immune to the highly toxic leaves that it feeds on and in turn becomes distasteful to predators.
This adult Oleander Hawk Moth was photographed by Jim’s Jungle Retreat’s Chief Naturalist, Manoj Sharma, in front of the reception area of the Retreat.