Oleander hawkmoth

Daphnis nerii (Linnaeus, 1758) 

Distribution: Native to tropical and subtropical regions from Africa to Southeast Asia. Occasional migrations reach southern Europe, including Ukraine.

Bionomics: This xero thermophilic species prefers drying riverbeds and oleander thickets. In Ukraine, it’s sporadic in the Crimea and southern regions. It’s multivoltine with flight periods in June–July and August–September. Active in the evening and at night, feeding on oleander nectar. Caterpillars primarily feed on oleander but can use other plants. Pupation occurs in a yellowish cocoon.

Abundance and Conservation: Occurs sporadically in Ukraine during migrations, making conservation impractical.