Cabbage Tree Emperor EGGS (Bunaea alcinoe)

Bunaea alcinoe (Stoll, 1780) is a large African silk-moth species with a large range across many countries in the middle and southern parts of Africa. Peak flight times are from September to January in the wild, coinciding with the wet season, but both moths and larvae can be observed year-round if conditions remain hospitable. This moth endures periods of harsh weather in its pupal state, burrowed underground, when it is too hot or dry for caterpillars to complete metamorphosis, with adults emerging in response to humid, relatively warm conditions. Emergence typically occurs sporadically, so to breed this species in captivity often requires a large number of pupae to ensure a pair emerge at the same time. 

The caterpillars of alcinoe are particularly striking, usually black in body colour with white and/or red tubercles, however this patterning and colouration can vary between populations and regions. They do well under standard rearing conditions, but probably benefit from mesh cages from the second instar as they don't seem to like condensation when kept in plastic containers. The best host plants are Privet, Ivy and Sweetgum, however others are reported as they use a variety of hosts in the wild. Growth is fast and caterpillars reach a large size before pupation. 

Difficulty: Straightforward (3/10)

Host plants: Privet (Ligustrum), Sweetgum (Liquidambar) and Ivy (Hedera helix) in captivity.

Conditions: A warm room (20-26 degrees) is ideal for all stages. Pupae require humidity to emerge.

Life-cycle: Continually brooded but pupae capable of diapause when too cool/dry.