Bunaea oremansi, flies on Sao Tomé Island, about 240 km (150 mi) west of Gabon.

As of May 2012, this species is not listed on BOLD systems, so it may have been synonymized with Bunaea alcino?

FLIGHT TIMES AND PREFERRED FOOD PLANTS:

Specimens have been taken in October.

ECLOSION, SCENTING AND MATING:

This species probably emerges at dusk and females attract the night flying males with an airbourne pheromone.

The pair remains coupled for a relatively short time. Females have thinner and blacker antennae and their abdomens are much broader and forewings are more rounded than in males.

EGGS, LARVAE AND PUPAE:

Eggs are large, round, and cream coloured, and have a deep indentation at the micropyle.

Larvae prefer fresh food and a warm, humid atmosphere. In the final instar, airy conditions are preferred.

When larvae are disturbed they will lash their heads and front segments violently back and forth.

Rough, black pupae are probably formed deep (10-15 cm) underground. Under artificial conditions pupae will emerge after being kept moist following immersion in tepid water.

The species name, oremansi, is honourific for Oermans.

Larval Food Plants

It is hoped that this alphabetical listing followed by the common name of the anticipated foodplant will prove useful. The list is not exhaustive. Experimenting with closely related foodplants is worthwhile.

Bauhinia reticulata Cassonia spicata Celtis Crataegus Croton Ekebergia meyeri Ekebergia ruepellii Gymnosporia senegalensis..... Harpephyllum caffrum Khaya senegalensis Ligustrum Maesa lanceolata Prunus Pyrus malus Quercus robar Rhus glabra Terminalia catappa

Kanchan Cassonia Hackberry Hawthorn Croton Ekebergia Ekebergia Gymnosporia Kaffir plum Red mahogany Privet Maesa Cherry Apple English oak Smooth sumac Indian almond

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