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Mopane Worm

The Mopane worm, with its vivid black and green stripes, munches through African Mopane trees. This vibrant caterpillar, a future Emperor moth, not only enriches its ecosystem but also serves as a protein-rich delicacy for local communities, highlighting its ecological and cultural significance.

11.34 g
Weight
Length: 10 cm
Size
Brown, Fawn, Red, Green
Color
Low
Aggression
Characteristics
Gonimbrasia belina, commonly known as the Mopane worm, is a large caterpillar that transforms into the Emperor moth. Found in southern Africa, it thrives in Mopane woodlands, feeding primarily on the leaves of the Mopane tree. Known for its striking black and green coloration, this caterpillar is a crucial food source for both wildlife and humans.
Distribution Range of the Mopane Worm
Gonimbrasia belina, commonly known as the mopane worm, is native to the southern part of Africa. Its distribution includes countries such as South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique. The species is primarily found in regions dominated by the mopane tree (Colophospermum mopane), which is a crucial part of its lifecycle.
Mopane Worm's Habitat
Environmental Conditions
The mopane worm thrives in semi-arid to arid environments, typical of the savanna and scrubland biomes. The climate in these regions is characterized by distinct wet and dry seasons, with temperatures ranging from warm to hot. The presence of mopane trees, which are well-suited to these conditions, is essential for the survival of the mopane worm.
Ecological Niche
Gonimbrasia belina occupies a specific ecological niche where it acts as both a pollinator and a food source within its ecosystem. The larvae feed primarily on the leaves of the mopane tree, playing a role in the tree's lifecycle and the nutrient cycling of the ecosystem. The adult moths contribute to pollination while serving as prey for various birds and other predators. This species has adapted to the seasonal availability of food and water, with its lifecycle synchronized to the rainy season when mopane trees are in leaf.