White and whitish-yellow flowers are the specific and sole nectar sources for the Madagascar sunset moth [Chrysiridia rhipheus]. Specifically, the moth favors the following:
The whitish-yellow flowers of the tea plant [Camellia sinensis]; and
The white flowers of the following:
Cussonia vantsilana;
Eucalyptus saligna;
Indian almond [Terminalia catappa];
Loquat [Eriobotriya japonica]; and
Mango [Mangifera indica].
Interestingly enough, the moth absolutely shuns the white flowers of the Omphalea oppositifolia [Willdenow], which is one of four [4] host plants and food sources for the moth in the caterpillar stage.
The Sunset Moth from Madagascar, in my opinion...
Omphalea spp shrubs and trees are the specific and sole host plants for the Madagascar sunset moth [Chrysiridia rhipheus] in the caterpillar stage. The plant is a member of the Euphorbia family. Worldwide, there are 17 different species of Omphalea. The four that are native to Madagascar all may be host plants, and therefore food sources for, the caterpillar stage of the Madagascar sunset moth:1. Omphalea ankaranensis, shrub of the limestone karst areas of northern Madagascar;2. O. palmata Leandri, shrub of western Madagascar;3. O. occidentalis, tree of the western part of the island;4. O. oppositifolia [Willdenow], tree of the eastern rainforest.
Perching with wings folded up and being active during the day are two butterfly-like behaviors of the Madagascar sunset moth [Chrysiridia rhipheus]. Moths tend to perch with their wings out flat. They also tend to be active during the night.
As a larvae, the moth is very specific about what it eats. In general, this includes ankaranensis, palmata, occidentalis, and oppositifolia species of plants. As an adult, it feeds on nectar from a variety of plants. The moth is only seen in Madagascar.
The average lifespan of the butterfly is around two weeks. Some live a little longer, depending on their environment.
Nectar.
'Rainha-de-madagascar' is a Portuguese equivalent of 'Madagascar sunset moth' [Chrysiridia rhipheus].The feminine noun 'rainha' means 'queen' in the singular. It takes 'a' ['the'] as its singular definite article, and 'uma' ['a, one'] as its singular indefinite article. The preposition 'de' means 'of, from'.All together, the phrase is pronounced 'HEYE*-nyuh djee mah-duh-GASH-kahr' in Portugal and according to the carioca accent of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.*The sound 'eye' is similar to the sound in the English noun 'eye'.
Mostly its ugliness.
It may be the Hawk Moth your on about
the sunset moth lives for 3years but one was know to live for 5 or 6 years
The Madagascar moth, also known as the Comet moth (Argema mittrei), has an impressive wingspan that can reach up to 8 to 12 inches (20 to 30 centimeters). This striking moth is native to Madagascar and is known for its vibrant yellow coloration and long tails on its hindwings. Its large size and distinctive appearance make it one of the most recognized moths in the world.
They both have wings, feelers, and drink nectar.