Page 409 - The Book of Caterpillars: A Life-Size Guide to Six Hundred Species From Around the World

MOTH CATERPILLARS

FAMILY Saturniidae
DISTRIBUTION Areas of sub-Saharan Africa
HABITAT Tropical forest patches and savannahs
HOST PLANTS Many, including Custard Apple (Anona senegalensis), Psidium spp.,
and Sapium spp.
NOTE Large caterpillar collected and eaten in parts of Africa
CONSERVATION STATUS Not evaluated

ADULT WINGSPAN
Up to 7 ⁄ in (193 mm)
CATERPILLAR LENGTH
4¼ in (110 mm)
LOBOBUNAEA PHAEDUSA
BLOTCHED EMPEROR 407

(DRURY, 1782)

Hatching from a single egg laid separately on the host tree, the
Blotched Emperor silkmoth caterpillar feeds alone. At the end

of ve instars, it moves to the ground to bury itself for pupation.
If conditions are right, the adult moth may emerge within
six weeks to produce a second cycle for the year. The larvae used
to be abundant, but in many areas of Africa these and other large
moth species are now becoming scarce in the wild as a result of
overcollecting for food.

Africans, many of whom lack su cient sources of protein, are The Blotched Emperor caterpillar is pale
actively encouraged to plant more trees and raise caterpillars for green, smooth, and plump. It is covered with
small, round, darker green dots and has a
eating, which helps protect vegetation and prevent the extinction yellowish lateral line through all segments.
of certain caterpillar species that are in decline. The Blotched The oval spiracles are gold circled by yellow,
and the thoracic and abdominal feet are black.
Emperor caterpillars are gathered mostly by children. The
larvae’s gut content is removed if they have fed on toxic trees,
then they are boiled with chili peppers until almost dry and eaten
immediately, or stored for up to three months.

Actual size