Oleander Hawk Moth Caterpillar

Description:

Daphnis nerii, the oleander hawk-moth is a moth of the family Sphingidae. The caterpillars feed mainly on oleander (Nerium oleander) leaves, a highly toxic plant, to which the caterpillars are immune. The caterpillars are large. An older oleander hawk-moth larvae can measure up to 7.5 to 8.5 centimetres in length. Just before it pupates, the oleander hawk-moth larva becomes browner in colour. The pupa is pale reddish or brownish white and has a wax-like appearance. It lies directly on the earth, under moss or dry leaves.

Habitat:

Seen in my garden in South India