About Antherina suraka Boisduval, 1833
Antherina is a monotypic moth genus of the family Saturniidae, which was erected by William Elford Leach in 1815. The genus contains only one species, Antherina suraka, commonly known as the Suraka silk moth. This species was first described by Jean Baptiste Boisduval in 1833. It is found on Madagascar and Mayotte. In parts of Madagascar, both the larvae and pupae of Antherina suraka are consumed, though consumption is not widespread. The larvae feed on leaves of oleander, privet, willows, beech, Liquidambar, Crataegus (hawthorns), grapevine, lilac, cherry, laurel, Forsythia, Rhus, Pistacia, apple, pear, plum and peach, with foodplant use varying between populations. Newly hatched larvae are black with yellow protrusions. As they develop, their bodies become green with red and yellow markings. When fully grown, caterpillars are as thick as a human finger. Mature caterpillars ready to pupate develop a blue dorsal stripe and wander to find a suitable pupation site.
