Holocerina smilax
hol-os-ser-EE-nuhmSMYE-lax
(Westwood, 1849) (Saturnia)

Holocerina smilax (male) courtesy of Leroy Simon

TAXONOMY: Superfamily: Bombycoidea Latreille, 1802 Family: Saturniidae Boisduval, [1837] 1834 Subfamily: Saturniinae Boisduval, [1837] 1834 Tribe: Micragonini Cockerell in Packard, 1914 (1902) Genus: Holocerina, Pinhey, 1956

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DISTRIBUTION:

The Variable Prince, Holocerina smilax (forewing length: males: 22-27mml; females: 27-41mm), flies in South Africa; the subspecies, menieri, is featured on a postage stamp from Afars and Issas. It is also reported from Tanzania and probably ranges through surrounding countries. Rolf Oberprieler reports it from Zimbabwe and feels it may also fly in Botswana. At least one subspecies is reported from Burkina Faso. Eric van Schayck reports it from Togo, possibly as a subspecies. Pinhey, 1972, reports it from "Natal and Mozambique northwards through Rhodesia (Zimbabwe) to Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda and Zaire = Democratic Republic of the Congo." From Tanzania north in eastern Africa, I suspect it is subspecies basquini that occurs. I suspect the larvae serve as a valuable human food source.

The middle, outermost branch of the clear forewing "3-shape" is usually thick, while on the hindwing the clearspot is very thin or not even present.

Holocerina smilax male, Praetoria, South Africa, courtesy of Luka Geertsema.

Holocerina smilax male, Praetoria, South Africa, courtesy of Luka Geertsema.

Holocerina smilax male, Praetoria, South Africa, courtesy of Luka Geertsema.

Holocerina smilax male, Praetoria, South Africa, courtesy of Luka Geertsema.

FLIGHT TIMES AND PREFERRED FOOD PLANTS:

In South Africa, specimens have been taken in all months except July and August. Larvae colouration can be quite varied and, in the wild, larvae feed on Ekebergia meyeri, Jasminum pubigerum, Piliostigma (Bauhinia), Pinus patula and Psidium guajava.

Holocerina smilax female, Praetoria, South Africa, courtesy of Luka Geertsema.

Holocerina smilax female, Praetoria, South Africa, courtesy of Luka Geertsema.

ECLOSION, SCENTING AND MATING:

The wings of the females are much more rounded than those of the male.

This species does not come readily to lights, but when males do appear it is usually between 10:00pm and 11:00pm, the calling time of the females.

The female (above) attracts the male (below) with an airbourne pheromone. Falcate wings of the male and his basally quadripectinate antennae assist in his search for the calling female.

EGGS, LARVAE, COCOONS AND PUPAE:

Larvae, courtesy of Leroy Simon, show considerable colour variation as they move through various instars:

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

Ekbergia capensis Ekebergia meyeri Halleria lucida Harpephyllum caffrum Jasminum pubigerum Ligustrum Ligustrum ovalifolium Nuxia floribunda Piliostigma (Bauhinia) ....... Pinus patula Protorhus longifolia Psidium guajava Pyrus malus Quercus gambelii Quercus pedunculata Rhus glabra Rhus laevigata Rhus laurina Rhus longifolia Rhus trilobata Rhus typhina Rhus villosa Syringa vulgaris

Cape Ash Ekebergia Tree Fuchsia Wild Plum Jasmine Privet Variegated Privet Forest Elder Piliostigma Mexican yellow pine Red Beech Common guava Apple Gambel oak English oak Smooth sumac Bastard willow Laurel sumac Bastard willow Skunk-brush Staghorn sumac Bastard willow Common lilac

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The pronunciation of scientific names is troublesome for many. The "suggestion" at the top of the page is merely a suggestion. It is based on commonly accepted English pronunciation of Greek names and/or some fairly well accepted "rules" for latinized scientific names.

The suggested pronunciations, on this page and on other pages, are primarily put forward to assist those who hear with internal ears as they read.

There are many collectors from different countries whose intonations and accents would be different.

Holocerina is a modification of the Greek 'Holocera' which means entirely waxy.

The species name, 'smilax', means "on wild asparagus creeper" according to Pinhey, Emperor Moths of South-Central Africa, 1972.