Gonimbrasia zambesina is a large, impressive African emperor moth (family Saturniidae) with a life cycle and husbandry style very similar to other Gonimbrasia and Bunaea species, but with its own quirks in temperature, humidity and feeding. Here’s a clear, care‑focused overview in a few solid paragraphs.
 
Gonimbrasia zambesina is native to southern and eastern Africa, with records across Zimbabwe, Zambia, Mozambique and neighbouring regions. It inhabits warm savanna, woodland and mixed bush habitats where its larval host plants are abundant. Adults are classic emperor moths: broad‑winged, earthy‑brown with eye‑spots, and strongly nocturnal. Like most Saturniids, they do not feed as adults and live only long enough to mate and oviposit.
 
The larvae are robust, fast‑growing and visually striking—typically green with contrasting tubercles and spines, especially in later instars. They thrive in warm conditions, with 24–26 °C ideal for steady development. They tolerate slightly cooler temperatures but slow down noticeably below 20 °C. Humidity should be moderate, with good airflow; they dislike stagnant, damp enclosures. Fresh foliage provides all necessary moisture, so misting is rarely required and should be avoided on the caterpillars themselves.
 
Diet is flexible, as the species is naturally polyphagous. In captivity they readily accept Acacia, Liquidambar, Prunus, Salix, Quercus, and other broadleaf hosts depending on region and season. As with other African Saturniids, they benefit from clean, dry rearing boxes with frequent frass removal and daily replacement of cut foliage. When ready to pupate, larvae descend or seek sheltered corners to spin a dense, earthy‑coloured cocoon. The pupal stage is typically 3–5 weeks in warm conditions, though cooler temperatures can extend this significantly.