Wahlberg's Emperor
Common NameWahlberg's Emperor
Scientific NameBunaea alcinoe
FamilySaturniidae
SubfamilySaturniinae
Wingspan (mm)130
Primary Colorsorange, yellow, reddish-brown, pink
HabitatWoodlands, savannas, forest edges
Geographic RangeSub-Saharan Africa
Host PlantsAcacia, Combretum, Terminalia, Syzygium, Eucalyptus
Flight PeriodYear-round in warmer regions, multiple broods
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are large and spiny, feeding on various trees and shrubs. Pupation occurs in a cocoon, often underground. Adults are short-lived and do not feed.
Identification TipsDistinguished by its large size, overall orange-yellow and reddish-brown coloration, and the prominent, yellow-ringed eye-spots on all four wings.
Description
A large, robust moth with a hairy orange-brown body and broad wings. The wings are predominantly orange and yellow with reddish-brown bands and prominent yellow-ringed eye-spots on both forewings and hindwings.
