Cabbage Tree Emperor
Common NameCabbage Tree Emperor
Scientific NameBunaea alcinoe
FamilySaturniidae
SubfamilySaturniinae
Wingspan (mm)130
Primary Colorsbrown, reddish-brown, orange, cream, black
HabitatWoodlands, savannas, forests, and bushveld
Geographic RangeSub-Saharan Africa, from Senegal to Ethiopia, south to South Africa
Host PlantsCussonia, Acacia, Combretum, Ekebergia, Rhus, Sclerocarya, Terminalia, Trichilia
Flight PeriodVaries by region, generally during warmer months, often bivoltine or multivoltine (e.g., October to March in South Africa)
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesFemales lay eggs on host plants. Larvae are large, spiny, and gregarious, feeding on leaves. Pupation occurs in an underground chamber. Adults are nocturnal and do not feed, living only to reproduce.
Identification TipsDistinguished by its large size, robust body, and the striking, large orange and black eyespots on the hindwings. The reddish-brown forewings with distinct cream bands and dark discal spots are also characteristic.
Description
A large, robust moth with broad, predominantly brown wings. The hindwings feature prominent, large orange eyespots ringed with black and white, while the forewings have a reddish-brown base with lighter cream or white bands and a dark discal spot.
