Distribution:

East Africa, with records from eastern Congo (RDC), Tanzania, Malawi, Zambia and Zimbabwe.  Ansorgei is part of a group of very similar looking species (the agathylla complex) blurring the exact distribution. More to the west and the north this species is probably replaced by closely related species. The animals depicted here originate from the Dzalanyama Forest in Malawi, where they can be quite abundant.

Wingspan:

in between  7,5 and 9 cm

Season:

depending on local conditions, but usually only one flight with a long pupal stage and adults emerging somewhat irregular

Food plants:

In Africa Brachystegia and Julbernardia. In captivity doing well on Cistus x laxus (preferred), Cistus salviifolius and Cistus x hybridus. Other Cistus are not accepted.

Rearing:

Very difficult, not at all suitable for newcomers.  Keep warm (minimum 25 degrees Celsius during the day), in spacious well ventilated plastic containers  in all stages.  Caterpillars respond badly to pretty much everything: poor food quality, lack of hygiene, too low temperatures, fluctuating temperatures, wet conditions, too low ambient air humidity, too much wind/draft in the room (keep those doors and windows closed !), not enough natural (sun)light, …  The caterpillars need company in the early stages as they are gregarious. Later they become more (semi-)solitary, so do not overcrowd even though they tolerate company fairly well. Keep dry (avoid condensation and wet leaves, do not spray).  Relatively slow growing. Ready to pupate within 8 to 12 weeks, though this might be because of the not so favorable rearing conditions (rarely had to deal with such divas). Moths usually emerge after several months (6 months or more is not exceptional), usually the days following a good spraying. Do not touch the caterpillars, the hairs are strongly urticating and yes, that is a very unpleasant sensation you would like to avoid.

Difficulties:

Everything