Palm tree night fighter
Zophopetes dysmephila
Fun Fact: The stream-lined wings and body of Palm-tree night-fighters give them the appearance of a Hawk Moth.
Introduction: The stream-lined wings and body of Palm-tree night-fighters ( Zophopetes dysmephila) give them the appearance of a Hawk Moth. The rounded wing tips are an aide in identification, which make a 'clapping' noise in flight.
Distribution: From Rundu west along the Zambezi Region (formerly the Caprivi Strip) to Victoria Falls.
Breeding/Larval food: Single or small groups of eggs are laid on a food plant leaf, often on a wild date-palm (Phoenix reclinata).
Colouration: Females have a distinctive diagonal white stripe on the hind wing underside. There are noticeable white tips on the antennae and white margins on the wing tips.
On the wing: Throughout the year.
Wingspan: 45mm.
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