Metopta rectifasciata
Common NameMetopta rectifasciata
Scientific NameMetopta rectifasciata
FamilyErebidae
SubfamilyErebinae
Wingspan (mm)42.5
Primary Colorsdark brown, purplish-grey, white, black, tan
HabitatForests, woodlands, savannas
Geographic RangeSouthern Africa (e.g., South Africa, Zimbabwe, Mozambique)
Host PlantsAcacia (Vachellia/Senegalia) species
Flight PeriodOctober to April
Flight Stylefluttering
Lifecycle NotesUndergoes complete metamorphosis: egg, larva (caterpillar) feeding on host plants, pupa, and adult moth. Larvae are typically nocturnal.
Identification TipsKey features include the large, dark-ringed eyespots on the forewings and the broad, bright white band on the hindwings, which has a characteristic wavy or serrated inner margin.
Description
A medium-sized moth with dark brown forewings featuring prominent, large eyespots, and hindwings marked by a broad white transverse band with a distinctly serrated inner edge.
