NOW: Melanocera menippe PUPAE

Melanocera menippe (Westwood, 1849) is a striking reddish coloured moth, known as the Chestnut Silkmoth, native to southern and eastern Africa. Not much is known about this species’ lifecycle, as it has not been reared in captivity outside of its natural range (as far as I can discern), however field records show photographs of larvae feeding on Acacia leaves, so this may be a useful host plant for breeding ex situ. The pupae are capable of long dormancy, but will emerge fairly quicky (a month or two) in response to warm, humid conditions. I’m not aware of breeding reports of this species, so cannot advise regarding breeding and rearing methodology - you could be the first to succeed!