Preliminary studies on the density and distribution of mopane worm pupae (Imbrasia belina) in Mapungubwe National Park

Little is known about the life cycle, density, and distribution of mopane worms, an important insect food source for many people in southern Africa. This study sought to find baseline data on how many pupae occur in natural populations and where they are found. In order to refine methodology for studying mopane worm pupae in red Kalahari sands, twenty holes were dug in Mapungubwe National Park under Colospermum mopane trees, the favored host of mopane worms. Pupae were found in lower densities and at shallower depths than expected. Only seven live pupae were found among the 20 holes, giving a rough estimate somewhere in the region of 756 and 1436 live pupae per hectare.