STERRHIINAE > Rhodometra sacraria
Distribution:
Algeria, Botswana,Chad, DR Congo, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, La Reunion, Libya, Madagascar, Malawi, Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, South Africa, Sudan, Tanzania, Tunisia, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe
Description:
Rhodometra sacaria has a wingspan reaching 22-28mm, while the length of the forewings is 12 -14 mm. These moths are easily distinguishable from the mahogany or pink stripe, located on a yellowish or cream background, crossing diagonally the dorsal sides of the upper wings to the apex. The dorsal sides of the hindwings are whitish and unmarked. The intensity and the extent of the pink pigmentation is rather variable, depending on the seasonal temperature in the developement of the pupae.
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| Collector M Bain |
Usually these moths rest with a temt-like posture on twigs and herbs, with the wings parallel to each other. They are nocturnal. The eggs are relatively long, yellowish with destinct red spots.
The caterpillars mimic twigs and are therefore difficult to locate. They are slender and reach a length of 25mm. The basic color is pale brown or green, with a whitish underside. The green form usually show a reddish irregular stripe on the back. The head is reddish brown and relatively small. These caterpillars feed on Knotgrass, dock, Anthemis, Emex, Oxygonum,Persicaria, Rhus and other low growing plants. The pupae can reach a length of 9,2mm and a diameter of about 2,7 mm. It is yellowish brown coloured, with dark spots.
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