Two new larval host-plants of the moth Lophonotidia melanoleuca (Lepidoptera: Agaristinae)

Abstract

South Africa is exceptionally rich in endemic species. However, we continue to lack a detailed understanding of the ecology and life history of many of these taxa, including the 11,000 species of native Lepidoptera (butterflies and moths). Here, we document the caterpillars of the moth Lophonotidia melanoleuca feeding on Red bush willow Combretum apiculatum and Bushveld grape Rhoicissus revoilii. It has previously only been recorded feeding on the foliage of Ivy-grape Cissus cornifolia. Taxonomically, Red bush willow is an unusual host-plant for this sub-family of Lepidoptera, and highlights persistent gaps in our knowledge of even these relatively familiar insect species. Such knowledge is fundamental for effective conservation and further biological research.