It is found in India, Sri Lanka, China, Borneo, Japan, the Philippines, Thailand, and Australia.

[2] The species differs from Theretra lycetus in being greyish brown without pink suffusion and the two dorsal lines on the abdomen are silvery white.

In the early instars, posterior ocelli are centered with crimson color with dorsal bands of yellow specks.

[4] As the caterpillar crawls, it sweeps the tail-like horn, which is black and tipped in white, in an arc forwards and back.

Caterpillars of this species have also been seen feeding on arum lily (Zantedeschia aethiopica), Argentine trumpet vine (Clytostoma callistegioides), climbing guinea flower (Hibbertia scandens), billy goat plum (Planchonia careya), godetia (Clarkia amoena), star cluster (Pentas lanceolata), Australian native violet (Viola hederacea) and slender grape (Cayratia clematidea).