DISTRIBUTION:

The Melanocera pinheyi moth flies in Tanzania and Gede, Kenya. The genus name, Melanocera, comes from the relatively large black (melano) antennae (cera=horn) that these moths possess.

Rolf Oberprieler indicates Melanocera widenti is "likely a synonym of M. pinheyi.

Melanocera widenti (male), Kenya, courtesy of Eric van Schayck.
http://www.saturniidae-mundi.de/Oschayck/schayck.htm

FLIGHT TIMES AND PREFERRED FOOD PLANTS:

Melanocera pinheyi larvae feed on Bird's-eye bush.

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 is honourific for Elliot Pinhey.