Towards improved utilization of macimbi Imbrasia belina Linnaeus, 1758 as food and financial resource for people in the Gwanda district of Zimbabwe
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Date
2010
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Zimbabwe Journal of Science & Technology
Abstract
Macimbi have two generations per annum one in November and the other in April. The
November generation has a higher population per tree 206.9±56.7 than the April generation 100±25. The growth rate is the same for both generations. Each moth oviposits on one tree and the average distance between oviposited trees is 45.7±15 m. The protein and fat content of the larvae are 59% and 14% respectively. The mass of fresh full-grown ‘worms’ is 12g and they are 8-9cm long. The growth rate is increased when the relative humidity is above 75% and the temperature is 30±2oC. Worms harvested before maturity need evisceration whereas those gathered when fully grown need no evisceration. Spines begin to be effective as defense mechanism against predators after the fourth week. The pupa stage lasts 38±2 days for the November generation and 180±12 days for the April generation because of winter. It is suggested that persons be allocated woodlots as this could lead to responsible
and sustainable harvesting and protection of the environment.
Description
Journal articles
Keywords
Imbrasia belina, life cycle, mopane tree, larvae, nutrition, Gwanda.
Citation
Dube, S. and Dube, C. 2010. Towards improved utilization of macimbi Imbrasia belina Linnaeus, 1758 as food and financial resource for people in the Gwanda district of Zimbabwe. Zimbabwe Journal of Science & Technology., 5 [2010]: 28 – 36