For the identification of insects and other fauna and flora of South Africa.

Wednesday, January 30, 2013

Common Emperor (Bunaea alcinoe)

Family Saturniidae
They also are known by the name of Cabbage Tree Emperors as their larvae is found there as well as on Bauhinia.
 These moths are large with a wingspan of about 16cm.
 At the moment the trees are covered with these caterpillars which are as thick as my thumb and just as big in diameter.
Photograph of the moth courtesy of Ilse Riediger.

2 comments:

Diane said...

I miss the large colourful moths here. I remember this one so well. Keep well Diane

Gaelyn said...

That is one gnarly looking caterpillar.