DISTRIBUTION:

The Melanocera parva moth (forewing length 45-47mm) flies in Zambia, Angola, Zaire (Dem. Rep. Congo) and Tanzania.

The genus name, Melanocera, comes from the relatively large black (melano) antennae (cera=horn) that these moths possess. It has been reported in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and in Bihe, Angola.

FLIGHT TIMES AND PREFERRED FOOD PLANTS:

Melanocera parva larvae feed on Bird's-eye bush (Ochna schweinfurthiana).

ECLOSION:

Moths emerge from pupae in subterranean chambers excavated by the larvae.

SCENTING AND MATING:

Females emit an airbourne pheromone to "call" in the males.

EGGS, LARVAE AND PUPAE:

At maturity the caterpillar will descend the hostplant stems or trunk and dig an underground chamber in which to pupate.

Listed below are the primary and alternate food plants listed in Stephen E. Stone's Foodplants of World Saturniidae. 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.

Ochna schweinfurtiana.....

Bird's-eye bush

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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.

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

The genus name Melanocera means "waxy black" and refers to the antennae colouration of the specimen type menippe.

The species name parva means small and refers to the relative size of this species.