Eastern Marbled Emperor
Common NameEastern Marbled Emperor
Scientific NameGonimbrasia hecuba
FamilySaturniidae
SubfamilySaturniinae
Wingspan (mm)135
Primary Colorsbrown, grey, white, black, yellow, pink
HabitatSavannas, woodlands, bushveld
Geographic RangeEastern and Southern Africa (e.g., South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda)
Host PlantsAcacia, Combretum, Terminalia, Julbernardia, Brachystegia
Flight PeriodOctober to April (Southern Africa, multivoltine)
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are large and spiny, feeding on various trees. Pupation occurs in a cocoon, often underground or in leaf litter. Adults are short-lived and do not feed.
Identification TipsDistinguished by its large size, the prominent, complex eyespots on both forewings and hindwings, and the overall marbled grey-brown coloration. The pinkish costal margin on the forewings is also a key feature.
Description
A large, robust moth with mottled grey-brown forewings featuring a prominent black and white eyespot, and lighter hindwings with a smaller eyespot and wavy bands. The body is stout and hairy, cream-colored.
