DISTRIBUTION: The Micragone nenioides moth (wingspan: males: 47-54mm; females: probably larger) flies in Burkina Faso, Africa. It also flies in Senegal, Mali, Guinea and Togo, and possibly in other neighbouring countries. The moth to the right, Comoe environs, eastern Ivory Coast, courtesy of Jiri Zabokrtsky, appears to be M. nenioides.

Thierry Bouyer, March 2006, indicates that the Ivory Coast specimen is more likely Micragone ducorpsi, but indicates examination of genitalia is probably needed for a final diagnosis. Many of the Micragone species are very similar.

FLIGHT TIMES AND PREFERRED FOOD PLANTS:

This moth flies from May-June and August-September in two annual flights.

Micragone nenioides larvae feed on Annona senegalensis.

Micragone nenioides female, courtesy of Rodolphe Rougerie.

ECLOSION, SCENTING AND MATING:

Males begin flying in to lights around 8:00 pm so that is probably the calling time of the females.

EGGS, LARVAE, COCOONS, AND PUPAE:

Jeremy Bouyer found larvae in July on Annona senegalensis and was able to obtain two females in this manner.

Larval Food Plants

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.

Annona senegalensis .......

Wild custard apple

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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.

Micragone comes from the Greek words for a small contest, according to Pinhey.

The species name, 'nenioides', is for the great similarity between this species and Micragone nenia.