The moths displayed in this post are most likely Holocerina smilax. There is still some doubt though, because of the colorful caterpillars, which didn't match any of the known pictures of final instar smilax caterpillars (see my earlier post). The moths out of the Holocerina genus are poorly studied and breeding them is a rare opportunity. There are not many people that can say that they have bred one of them successfully. Holocerina smilax is probably the most widespread of the sixteen Holocerina species. They occur throughout central Africa, from Sierra Leone east to Kenya and south throughout the east of Africa all the way to South Africa. The males are small, with a wingspan around five centimeter. The females are much heavier and larger, up to eight centimeter. In captivity they brood continuously.
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| Holocerina smilax female - Origin: Malawi |
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| Holocerina smilax male - Origin: Malawi |
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| Holocerina smilax male - Origin: Malawi |
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| Holocerina smilax male - Origin: Malawi |
