Sataspes tagalica
# Sataspes tagalica

Sataspes tagalica, the brilliant carpenter-bee hawkmoth, is a species of moth of the family Sphingidae first described by Jean Baptiste Boisduval in 1875.

## Distribution

It is known from western and north-eastern India, Nepal, Myanmar, eastern and southern China and Thailand. The habitat consists of woodland margins and shady tracks through woodland, particularly near bodies of fresh water.

## Description

The wingspan is 56–70 mm. It is a variable species with several named forms. It is a mimic of Xylocopa carpenter bees, with males and females mimicking different species.

* Male dorsal view
* Male ventral view
* Female dorsal view
* Female ventral view

## Biology

It is a day-flying species. Adults are attracted to the flowers of Duranta erecta and Lantana camara.

The larvae have been recorded feeding on Dalbergia benthamii in Hong Kong.

