Developmental biology and reproductive attributes of Oleander hawk moth, Daphnis nerii (L.) under controlled conditions

The life cycle and morphometric characteristics of the oleander hawk moth, Daphnis nerii (L.) (Lepidoptera: Sphingidae), were investigated under controlled laboratory conditions. Larvae were reared on fresh oleander leaves, which were provided daily, and excreta were removed regularly to maintain suitable rearing conditions for healthy growth and development. The mean egg and larval durations were 3.70 ± 0.48 days and 32.40 ± 0.97 days, respectively, while the mean pupal period was 8.80 ± 0.79 days. The average life cycle (from egg to adult death) was 54.80 ± 1.17 days for males and 56.60 ± 0.82 days for females. Mean fecundity was 122.30 ± 22.72 eggs per female. The mean egg length and breadth were 1.51 ± 0.01 mm and 1.24 ± 0.01 mm, respectively. Fully grown larvae measured 82.39 ± 3.45 mm in length and 7.57 ± 0.48 mm in width, with a caudal horn measuring 4.00–4.80 mm. The pupae measured 60.05 ± 2.23 mm in length and 13.28 ± 0.64 mm in breadth. These observations provide baseline information on the developmental durations of D. nerii under controlled laboratory conditions and may serve as a useful reference for future biological and ecological studies of this species.