Kwazulu-Natal, South Africa

Bunaea alcinoe, Hilton, Kwazulu-Natal, South Africa,
November 28, 2011, Sue Bentley, id by Bill Oehlke

Kwazulu-Natal, one of nine provinces, is found in eastern South Africa.

Njesuthi is the highest point with an elevation of 3,408 m.

This page has been especially created for Sue Bentley of Hilton, KZN, and features only those moths confirmed in Kwazulu-Natal by Cooper and Cooper and/or other reliable sources.

There are at least thirty-four Saturniidae species reported for KZN. I only expect Sue to encounter about fifteen species in Hilton.

Most of the species I have designated as WD (widespread) would be absent from the dry grasslands of north western Kwazulu-Natal as well as absent from the upland grasslands of western Kwazulu-Natal.

I have marked those species you are most likely to encounter in Hilton with an *. Those you have already confirmed have your intitials (SB) in blue.

Some species are more limited to extreme eastern (XE) or eastern (Ea) areas of KZN, and are not likely to be found in the midlands.

Heniocha marnois male, Kwazulu Natal Midlands, South Africa,
November 24, 2011, courtesy of Sue Bentley, Via Daniel Marlos of What's That Bug, id by Bill Oehlke

Epihora mythimnia male, Hilton, Kwazulu Natal Midlands, South Africa,
December 5, 2011, courtesy of Sue Bentley, id by Bill Oehlke

Gonimbrasia (Nudaurelia) walhbergii male, Hilton, Kwazulu-Natal, South Africa,
January 20, 2012, courtesy of Sue Bentley, id by Bill Oehlke

Gynanisa maja male, Hilton, Kwazulu Natal Midlands, South Africa,
February 17, 2012, courtesy of Sue Bentley, id by Bill Oehlke

Of the Saturniinae subfamily, the Attacini and Saturniini spin cocoons, while the Urotini and Bunaeini pupate underground. The Micragonini spin loose, paper like cocoons near the base of the hostplant. Micragonini: Goodia kuntzei Ea Holocerina smilax WD, SB Ludia delegorguei WD, * Ludia goniata SE Micragone cana XNE

Attacini: Epi. mythimnia WD, SB Saturniini: Argema mimosae WD, * Urotini: Pselaphelia flavivitta Ea Pseuda. apollinaris Ea Tagoropsis flavinata XE Tagoropsis hanningtoni XE Urota sinope Ea Usta terpsichore Ea Bunaeini: Aurivillius fuscus Ea Bunaea alcinoe WD, SB Bunaeopsis arabella * Cinabra hyperbius S 1/2 Gonimbrasia anna XE Gonimbrasia belina WD, * Gonimbrasia cytherea SW, * Gonimbrasia gueinzii SE Gonimbrasia tyrrhea NW Gon. wahlbergii WD, * SB Gonimbrasia zambesina NE Gynanisa maja WD, * SB Heniocha apollonia S2/3, * Heniocha dyops XE Heniocha marnois WD, SB Imbrasia ertli NHM Cirina forda WD, * Lobobunaea angasana Ea Melanocera dargei XNE Melanocera menippe Ea, * Pseudobunea irius WD, * Pseudobunaea tyrrhena XE

"The Zulu Tribe from Natal, South Africa, make extensive use of Argema mimosae cocoons to make anklets. The use of these rattles became common in Natal as a result of the introduction of the rickshaw from China and India. The cocoons are collected after the moths have emerged and one or more small stones are placed inside before they are sewn onto a broad strip of goat skin (with the fur on the inside for the greater comfort of the person wearing the anklet). The cocoons are much favored by the Zulu as these anklets produce a satisfying rattle."

From Moth Cocoon Artifacts by Richard S. Peigler Lakewood, Colorado USA.

http://www.insects.org/ced4/peigler.html

The larvae of quite a few species are consumed by humans: Bunaea alcinoe, Cirina forda, Gonimbrasia belina, Gonimbrasia zambesina, Gynanisa maia, Imbrasia epimethea, Melanocera menippe, Microgone cana and Urota sinope.

http://www.food-insects.com/

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