Hippotion aporodes
Diagnostic description:
Similar to Hippotion celerio but ground colour darker, generally blackish, and oblique postmedial band buff (not silvery) and enclosing three narrow but distinct dark brown parallel lines. Hindwing upperside very similar to Hippotion celerio but medial band deeper red, basal and distal edges of the spots diffuse.
Male genitalia: Similar to Hippotion celerio but: Gnathos with a strongly sclerotized apical tooth. Valve with four stridulatory scales.Harpe sinuous, more slender, smooth. Phallus with smaller apical teeth.
Distribution:
The Natal record is the "type" of Hippotion celerio ab. luecki; it may yet prove to be a melanic form of Hippotion celerio after all.