Pandesma submurina
Common NamePandesma submurina
Scientific NamePandesma submurina
FamilyErebidae
SubfamilyErebinae
Wingspan (mm)45
Primary Colorsgrey, brown, black, white, pale blue
HabitatTropical and subtropical woodlands, savannas, and forests
Geographic RangeWidespread across Africa, including South Africa, Eswatini, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Malawi, Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, Democratic Republic of Congo, Angola, Zambia, Ethiopia, Somalia, Sudan, Chad, Niger, Nigeria, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Sierra Leone, Guinea, Senegal, Gambia, Mauritania, Western Sahara, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, Egypt.
Host PlantsAcacia species (Fabaceae)
Flight PeriodAll year round in warmer regions, with multiple broods
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesUndergoes complete metamorphosis: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. Larvae are known to feed on Acacia species.
Identification TipsKey features for identification include the cryptic grey-brown forewings and the contrasting hindwings with their pale bluish-grey, black band, and white fringe, which are often revealed during flight or when disturbed.
Description
A medium-sized moth with mottled grey-brown forewings that provide excellent camouflage. The hindwings are distinctive, featuring a pale bluish-grey base with a broad black band and a crisp white fringe.
