Gonimbrasia zambesina

Gonimbrasia zambesina (Gonimbrasia zambesina)

Phylum — arthropoda
Class — insecta
Order — lepidoptera
Family — saturniidae

Genus – gonimbrasia

Appearance

The caterpillar is grey with yellow stripes and black sparse spines.

The wingspan of these butterflies is 13-15 cm. The body and wings of the butterfly are covered with hairs. Males have feathery antennae. The main background color is olive green. There is a light stripe along the lower edges of the wings. The eyespots are small on the forewings and very large on the hindwings, surrounded by red.

Habitat

It is found in Southern and Western Africa.

Behavior

There are two generations per year; adults can be found once in the fall and a second time in the winter. Butterflies are nocturnal.

The larvae feed in groups.

Diet

The larvae are known to feed on a variety of tree species such as a willow, beech, oak, oleander and persimmon.

Adults do not have functioning moth parts so as adults they will not feed.

Reproduction

For their reproduction you need a terrarium with a size of 70 x 70 x 90 cm. Females lay eggs in groups of 10-12. The eggs are white and oval. Incubation at a humidity of 70-80% and a temperature of 22-24°C. It is better to keep the caterpillars in closed containers with good ventilation for 10-12 insects. In the container, you need to place a branch of the forage plant. Forage plants should be replaced every 3-4 days. The temperature is 26-29°C and humidity is 50-60%. The cocoons are silver-gray. The pupa is dark brown. The butterfly's life span is 12-14 days.

In captivity

The mesh terrarium with a size of 50 × 50 × 70 mm is suitable for keeping butterflies. Room temperature is necessary. Daylight time is 12 hours.