The mopane worm (Gonimbrasia belina Westwood): a review of its biology, ecology and utilisation in Zimbabwe

Abstract

The study was aimed at reviewing literature related to traditional mopane production as well as exploring the potential for diapause termination to allow for continuous year-round production. Larvae of mopane worms (Gonimbrasia belina) are highly nutritious and popular food for many people in Southern Africa. Improved and sustained supplies of mopane worms in urban and rural areas can potentially address food and nutrition security problems of the mopane worm harvesters and producers financially. This also has the added advantage of improving people’s access to high-protein food. However, harvesting of G. belina larvae takes place during a short period (main harvesting period is from November to December and a smaller second harvest April-May). In addition, the availability of G. belina is a function of parasitism, time of the year, and amount of rainfall, making the production not only seasonal but also erratic and unreliable. The absence of a regulatory and monitoring policy framework that protects G. belina from over harvesting and over exploitation is also a major concern. These problems, coupled with the seasonal nature of the production hinders all year round harvesting and supply. Findings from this study reveal that the literature is outdated, scant and highlights the need for more research to be conducted on the species. Furthermore, the findings suggest that mopane worms are a significant source of protein for vulnerable population groups, capable of addressing their nutritional protein and livelihood needs. To this end, the paper highlights opportunities for further research and the optimisation of production processes.

An outbreak of Gynanisa maja (Lepidoptera: Saturniidae) larvae in the south‐eastern lowveld of Zimbabwe

“…Population explosions of edible insects are important events in Sub‐Saharan Africa as they have a socio‐economic benefit to the livelihoods of local communities (Bara et al., 2022; Thomas, 2013). Larvae of G. maja are an important source of protein and harvests can be preserved for future consumption or sold thereby enhancing food security and household incomes (Mbata & Chidumayo, 2003; Nemadodzi et al., 2023).…”

“…A significant number of dead unconsumed caterpillars were found on the forest floor after the host trees had been defoliated. Population explosions of edible insects are important events in Sub-Saharan Africa as they have a socio-economic benefit to the livelihoods of local communities (Bara et al, 2022;Thomas, 2013).…”

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Population explosions of insect folivores are important ecological events in savanna ecosystems (Hartnett et al, 2012). The larval (caterpillar) stage of emperor moths (family, Saturniidae) has both an ecological and socio-economic significance in southern Africa (Bara et al, 2022;Ditlhogo, 1996;Thomas, 2013) with larvae of two species, the anomalous emperor (Gonimbrasia belina Westwood 1894) and the speckled emperor (Gynanisa maja Klug 1836), being important plant defoliators and a food resource for people in the region. Outbreaks of G. belina are relatively frequent and widespread (Bara et al, 2022;Straeuli, 2022), whereas those of G. maja are characterized by extended periods of relatively low incidence punctuated by population explosions that are less frequent (Singh & Satyanarayana, 2009;Thomas, 2013).

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Human Consumption of Insects in Sub-Saharan Africa: Lepidoptera and Potential Species for Breeding

“…Most species widely consumed in Africa produce a single generation per year (e.g., C. forda ). This phenomenon is thought to be regulated by abiotic factors, such as photoperiod, temperature and host plant availability, which mainly affect pupation [ 32 ]. However, species such as the caterpillars Imbrasia belina , Bunea alcinoe and the African moths Gonimbrasia zambesina , Gonimbrasia krucki , Gonimbrasia cocaulti , and Gynanisa nigra can complete two cycles in one-year while others, such as the Eri silkworm complete several cycles in a single year [ 30 , 33 , 34 , 35 ].…”

“…For most insects, these processes are primarily regulated by abiotic factors, such as photoperiod and temperature. It is important to understand how photoperiod and temperature affect these processes to predict the initiation and termination of diapause in the field [ 32 ]. Two successful pupation methods include boxes and pits.…”