Page 461 - The Book of Caterpillars: A Life-Size Guide to Six Hundred Species From Around the World

MOTH CATERPILLARS

FAMILY Sphingidae
DISTRIBUTION Russia, Mongolia, China, Chinese Taipei, Hong Kong,
Korea, and Japan
HABITAT Many habitats, including montane forests, cities, and orchards
HOST PLANTS Fruit trees, including apple (Malus spp.), pear (Pyrus spp.),
plum (Prunus spp.), and hawthorn (Crataegus spp.)
NOTE Asian hawkmoth caterpillar that can be a tree fruit pest
CONSERVATION STATUS Not evaluated, but usually common

ADULT WINGSPAN
2¾–3⅝ in (70–92 mm)

CATERPILLAR LENGTH
3–3¼ in (75–83 mm)
MARUMBA GASCHKEWITSCHII
MARUMBA GASCHKEWITSCHII 459

(BREMER & GREY, 1853)

Marumba gaschkewitschii caterpillars hatch from translucent,
jade-green eggs laid singly or in small groups of two to
four on host plant leaves. The female usually oviposits on
bushes or small trees, and the larvae tend to feed at about
1¾–5 ft (0.5–1.5 m) above the ground. Development is rapid,
and the caterpillars are well camou aged on their host plant.

The first few instars rest and feed stretched out along the
midrib under a leaf. The larvae go through ve to seven instars.

Pupation occurs in a silk-free, earthen cell just below the soil The Marumba gaschkewitschii caterpillar
surface, and the pupa overwinters. is green with seven oblique, dotted white lines
laterally. The entire body is adorned with tiny,
white spots. The spiracles are slit-like and
outlined in red. The true legs and prolegs
There are two to three generations annually in most areas, are orangish or reddish, and the triangular
although four or five may occur in warmer areas. The adult head is blue green.
moth has been recorded damaging fruit in Korea by piercing
it with its proboscis. Caterpillars are also occasionally a pest of

apricot trees in Japan. There are ve subspecies of Marumba
gaschkewitschii within its most easterly Asian range.

Actual size