Silkmoths and more: Bunaeopsis phidias

This is the most common of the four Bunaeopsis species present in the Dzalanyama Forest in Malawi (the other three being aurantiaca, zaddachi and jacksoni). However, for a species this common they are very difficult to rear. This has most likely something to do with the food plant or the confusion around the Bunaeopsis food plants. It is said that most members of the genus feed on grasses. Still, I don't know of any successful rearing of Bunaeopsis species on grasses outside their natural habitat. For Bunaeopsis phidias it is possible that they might have some tall grass as wild host (plenty of those alongside the streams inside the forest), but more likely they feed on members of the Legume family (Fabaceae). First instars do start to feed on Fargesia (bamboo) and Carex (sedge), however I never got them beyond the second instar (believe me, this is not my first attempt with this species). To my surprise (I was getting desperate) they not only accepted Medicago sativa (alfalfa or lucerne) but they made it to the final instar. Keep them warm and with a higher humidity (but dry, not an easy combination). The best way is probably in closed plastic containers until they reach the fourth instar. From then on still in plastic containers but with more ventilation. The moths will probably not emerge until this autumn.