Madora Mopane Worms price

Madora Mopane Worms

Gonimbrasia belina is a species of emperor moth which is native to the warmer parts of southern Africa. Its large edible caterpillar, known as the mopane worm , madora, amacimbi or masontja, feeds primarily but not exclusively on mopane tree leaves. Mopane worms are an important source of protein for many in the region. The mopane worm is so-called because it feeds on the [mopane] [mopani] [mopalouie] tree ( Colophospermum mopane ). They will also eat the leaves of the [acacia] [nebembie] [nyembrie] tree ( Acacia seyal ). The caterpillars are a very attractive blue-green color, but turn a dull grey-green after they have been handled. The moths' wingspan is 80–100 mm. When it comes to feeding, the worms prefer younger leaves and shoots, so the tree is cut back in areas where the worms are farmed, to stimulate fresh growth. This also encourages the caterpillars to feed, since they will swarm on any fresh foliage. The moths fly close to the ground and only live for about two weeks during which time breeding and egg-laying occur. Mopane worms are a nutritious food source in the semiarid regions where they occur but have been historically consumed only by local peoples who had access to them in their habitat. Their diet consists largely of tree leaves, so when these were cleared for agricultural development many believed the moths would become extinct. Mopane worms are now mainly harvested for sale in local markets and to support conservation efforts. Mopane worms move around very little once they reach adulthood, only flying short distances if at all, perhaps due to their large size which makes them vulnerable to predators. They are most active during the early morning where they warm themselves in the sun and feed on their host plant. Females attract males with a sex pheromone which is produced in glands in the abdomen; mating occurs at night. The caterpillar's mate during late afternoon hours after eating and separating from each other, and females lay one to three eggs per day for about two weeks. The larvae can be several centimeters long and are cylindrical, slightly flattened dorsolaterally with tiny hairs covering their bodies. The larvae are usually green but can be brown or reddish depending on the species of the host plant which is being consumed at that time. The common "Gonimbrasia belina" has a larva of about 50–60 days feeding for around 20 days on its host plant prior to pupation, with a total length of about 100mm.

Global madora (mopane worms) production

Madora is a species of moth that is found in Africa. The larvae of this moth feed on the leaves of the mopane tree. Mopane worms are an important food source for many people in Africa, and they are also used as bait for fishing. Madora moths are considered to be a pest by farmers because they can defoliate mopane trees. The global production of madora moths is estimated to be about 10,000 metric tons per year. The majority of madora moths are found in Africa, but they are also found in other parts of the world, such as Australia and South America. Madora moths are used for food, bait, and as a source of income for many people in Africa.