About Sphingomorpha chlorea Cramer, 1777
Sphingomorpha chlorea Cramer, 1777 has a wingspan of approximately 60–86 mm. Its head is ochreous white, and the basal joint of the palpi is dark brown. The upper surface of the thorax is dark brown, with a broad ochreous-white stripe along the vertex. The upper surface of the abdomen is dark brown, with a series of dorsal ochreous-white spots. The forewings are reddish-brown with dark striae. There is a pale patch at the base of the inner margin, and an indistinct angulate antemedial line. It has an irregularly waved medial line with a pale outer edge, which is sometimes tinged with purple and rufous. Several vinous patches are located beyond this medial line. The reniform spot is a narrow lunule, with a vinous dash beyond it. A crenulate postmedial line is present, which bears medial black lunules, one of which is oriented towards the inner margin. This postmedial line is joined by a crenulate line that originates from near the apex. A series of marginal black specks is also present on the forewings. The hindwings are fuscous brown, with the base and a diffused irregular medial band being pale. At the center of the outer margin, there is an ochreous patch marked with black striae. The cilia are pale. On the ventral side, the wings are pale, with a fuscous submarginal band towards the inner margin of each wing. Adult individuals of this species are attracted to fermented fruit and alcoholic drinks. Known larval food plants for this species are Acacia karoo, Thespesia garckeana, Newtonia buchananii, Sclerocarya birrea, Acacia xanthophloea, Acacia hirtella, Sclerocarya afra, Burkea africana, Acacia tortilis, Citrus, Malus pumila, Pisum sativum, and Thespesia.
