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Sphingomorpha chlorea
App. 4*4 cm. This is a fruit piercing moth that can cause considerable damage. It is also attracted to fermented fruit, beer, spirits and other sources of sugars.
Found at a lodge restaurant in the evening. Rain season. Mixed forest, lubombo region. Altitude: 543.799 m latitude/longitude: -26.316624, 31.990292
The larva is eaten in many parts of its African range. Unlike other edible larvae, it is not an article of commerce since it loses flavour when it is dried. it is eaten fresh in rural areas where it occurs in large numbers some years. This species is widespread and common in tropical Africa, whereas it is more local and rarer in Asia, but it exists there. Read more, and see pictures of the larvae and the pupa here: http://threatenedtaxa.org/ZooPrintJourna...
If it is a moth, named by a drink... There should be an anricle written about it :))) This guy has turned into "a moth to know" :D
"Sundowner" actually does not refer to a sunset, but rather an alcoholic drink which is drank as the sun is setting. It is likely that this moth was named so for its attraction to such drinks. :-)
Thank you dear Leuba and Mark :) I guess I should be happy with "sunset".
Thank you Riekos for your comment as well, you are all the best! :)))
What a little beauty. Excellent pattern and colours. Carpets taken by Larentiinae unfortunately. You could do worse than sunsets.
Thank you for the ID Jakubko! What a beautiful name! However, I think it looks more like and exotic carpet rather than a sunset...
I think this actual example must have had a bit too much of the fermented fruit, found him in the toilet area :P
Now, time for research and some ID uptate :) Thanks again!
One of my favorites!! I'd love to see this one some time! I am not surprised you found it at a restaurant; this species especially enjoys alcoholic drinks and fruits.
Spotted on Dec 26, 2013
Submitted on Jan 11, 2014
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