Seasonality and distribution of Bunaea alcinoestoll [Lepidoptera: Saturniidae: Saturniinae] on major host plants in port Harcourt

Studies on the host plants, seasonality and distribution of a phytophagous, polyphagous and edible moth (Bunaeaalcinoe) of the Niger Delta were made. The seasonal population of the edible moth was assessed on its different host plants from 2013-2014. The moth was detected practically throughout the year with lowest populations during the harmattan and dry seasons (December-February) when the host plants shed their leaves. The populations of the emperor moths were highest during the rainy seasons (April - October) when the leaves of host plants were in abundance and blossoming. The females commenced oviposition at the onset of rains and deposited their cream-coloured eggs on the adaxial surfaces of leaves of host plants. Damage to the leaves and young stems of host plants was caused by the highly voracious larvae that underwent various stages of development until the last larval stage when it migrated from host plants and searched for pupating sites. Types of damage included defoliation and skeletonization of leaves. They were known to cause retardation of young plants; older plants were able to withstand damage by the larvae.