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Multiple cacoons on Faurea speciosa Broad-leaf Beach


Protea Atlas LogoI have found the tough, grey, multiple silk cacoons of the Loose Bagnest Moth Epanaphe clarilla (Family Thaumetopoeidae) on Faurea speciosa and Crossopteryx febrifuga Crystal Bark (Rubiaceae: Gardenia Family). This identity was provided by Mrs R Sithole of the Natural History Museum at Bulawayo. These multiple cacoons are made by moth larva which display an unusual gregarious habit. During the day the caterpillars bunch up tightly on their host plant. In the evening they move off in procession following a leader to feed - later they return to the roost by the same route. These activities have resulted in the name Processionary Moths. When full-grown the larva make elliptical, silken cacoons which are cemented together to make the Bagnest. The silk is not used commercially because it contains some of the caterpillar's hairs which irritate human skin. When the moth emerges from its cacoon it flies away to lay eggs and begin other communities.

Benedicta Graves, Raffingora 


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