Distribution:

a (south) central African species with records from Gabon, Angola, Congo (RDC), Kenya, Tanzania, Malawi and Zambia. The animals depicted here originate from the Dzalanyama forest (Malawi). 

Wingspan:

in between 12 and 14 cm

Season:

one flight annually with a peak from the second half of December into the first half of January (depending on the rains). Pupal stage is very long.

Food plants:

Uapaca, Bauhinia, Julbernardia and Pterocarpus are mentioned for Africa. In captivity easy to rear on several Prunus species (laurocerasus, serotina, …)

Rearing:

Not difficult, in many aspects similar to more well known species like tyrrhena and natalensis (formerly known as irius). Keep warm (minimum room temperature or warmer), dry and clean. Rear in spacious, well ventilated plastic containers, especially during winter months when the central heating dries out the air.  Avoid condensation and do not give wet leaves, but keep the ambient air humidity medium to high. Ready to pupate within 8 to 10 weeks (depending on temperature and quality of the food, faster during warmer months). The pupal stage will be several months.  Except for a few premature moths, most adults will not emerge before next spring, even fairly late in spring (end of May, beginning of June). The moths need a few weeks of warmer and more humid weather to emerge. 

Difficulties:

breaking dormancy of the pupae