Lime Hawk Moth (Mimas tiliae)

Caterpillar

They are green, with yellow stripes and a blue horn at the posterior end. When matured and ready for pupation, they become dull grayish or purplish brown.

Pupa

After maturing, the larvae pupate in the soil at the base of the host plant.

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Adult Moth

Sexual Dimorphism: Present.

The base color of the forewings is green in males and brown in females. Moreover, the males also have slender and strongly curved abdomen, while the females are fat and straight, mainly filled with eggs.

Color and Appearance

Forewing: When opened, they are pink or buff darker near the inner angle, with either one or two brown or green blotches running across, sometimes merging into a band at the forewing’s center. When closed, the patterns remain the same but are less visible.

Hindwing: When they are opened, they are plain without much patterns, appearing either gray or buff-brown. When closed, they remain unaltered.

Average wingspan: 46-78mm

Flight pattern: Consistent

Season: May – July

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Egg

The pale green eggs are laid near the host plant. They hatch within 7-10 days.

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