Mopane Worm/Emperor Moth

The mopane worm is the caterpillar of the large emperor moth. During December and January enormous numbers of mopane worms feed on the leaves of the mopane trees in Kruger Park.

Mopane worms are considered a delicacy by local inhabitants, who collect millions of them in areas adjoining the Kruger Park. They spread the mopane worms in the sun to dry and then either sell them or eat them. It is estimated that during these annual outbreaks, the mopane worms eat more mopane leaf-material than elephants in the same area.

The family of emperor moths (Saturniidae) contains 31 genera and 84 species. Emperor moths are large, with a wingspan of 10cm. They are colorful, with robust, hairy bodies, broad wings, and a large eye-spot on each hindwing, sometimes also on the forewings. The male's feelers are short and feathery, and are used to detect attractants released by females.

Most of the 84 species occur only in the northeastern parts of southern Africa, but a few are widespread. Emperor moths are mostly nocturnal, but a few are diurnal.

Emperor moths lay their eggs in clusters and their caterpillars (mopane worms) are large and fat, often with hairs or spines. The chrysalis in most species develops in an earthen shell in the ground, but a few spin a silk cocoon. The life cycle takes three months. Adults do not feed and live for just three to four days.