Belted Grass-Veneer (Euchromius ocellea) lives in dry grasslands across Sub-Saharan Africa. It feeds on grasses and cereals.
Fascinating facts about the Belted Grass-Veneer
- It inhabits tropical and subtropical zones worldwide, yet only shows up as an occasional migrant in places like the United Kingdom and the Netherlands. The species is described as having a cosmopolitan distribution, meaning it occurs across many regions. It is widespread in tropical and subtropical regions, but only a rare migrant in some other parts of its range.
- The caterpillars grow to 18-20 mm, displaying a white body with amber pinacula and a pale amber head. They feed on maize and sorghum, two important cereal crops. Their size range of 18-20 mm is noted for the larval stage, and their colouration helps identify them on these host plants. Feeding on these grasses ties the species to agricultural habitats where these crops are cultivated.
- Male moths possess a semi-transparent patch on the basal side of the wing cell and the forewings show fine silver streaking across the whole wing. These features are part of the detailed wing pattern that includes creamy or pale greyish ochreous ground colour and various bands and spots. The semi-transparent patch is noted only in male specimens, while the silver streaking is a characteristic of the species overall, adding to its distinctive appearance.
- In southern Africa, adults are on wing from October to April. In western Africa the flight period ranges from November to March.
Sources
Every fact above was checked against these pages, and kept only where one of them states it.
At a glance
RangeSub-Saharan Africa
HabitatDry grasslands
DietGrasses and cereals
About the Belted Grass-Veneer
In the warm, golden light of a sun-baked meadow, the Belted Grass-Veneer dances on delicate wings, its slender body weaving a intricate path through the swaying grasses. With each gentle flutter, the subtle sheen of its pale yellow wings catches the eye, a fleeting glimpse of beauty as it flits from blade to blade in search of sweet nectar. As it moves, the intricate patterns on its wings seem to shimmer and come alive, a mesmerizing display of nature's artistry that leaves the observer breathless.
Hear the Belted Grass-Veneer, and 4,400+ more
Real recorded sounds, 11 nature games and a free Daily 5, 1v1 quiz duels, conservation wins and a safe Kids mode. Free on Feravox.
More insects and spiders to discover
