It was identified as the Oleander hawk moth, Daphnis nerii, although there were some who suggested caution about the species; there are several and it could be D hypothous or a form of D placida. There are several species in southeast Asia. The genus is being revised at the Bishop Museum, Honolulu.

In Thailand the caterpillar of the moth feeds on oleander (Nerium oleander), desert rose (Adenium obesum), frangipani (Plumeria rubra), jujube (Ziziphus mauritiana) and some other ornamenteds.