Metamorphosis - Welcome

The Mulanje Tiger Moth (Callioratis grandis), is an extremely localised species known only from Mount Mulanje in Malawi. It feeds solely on the Mulanje Cycad, Encephalartos gratus, and is here raised to full species status and assessed as Critically Endangered using the IUCN criteria.

The strange hovering behaviour of male Scarce Fig-tree Blues (Myrina dermaptera dermaptera) was observed and photographed for the first time by Steve Woodhall around a fig tree at Shongweni in KZN.

The life histories of a number of Afrotropical Swordtails (Graphium) species (Lepidoptera: Papilionoidea: Papilionidae) are examined and described and some relationships are suggested. Graphium leonidas zanzibaricus is reinstated as a valid taxon.

The Table Mountain Beauty (Aeropetes tulbaghia), featured on the cover of Metamorphosis Vol 21 no.4, has been nominated by LepSoc to become South Africa’s National Butterfly. It is a large and attractive butterfly, widespread throughout South Africa's mountains and endemic to SA and Zimbabwe. It is the only pollinator of many of our wild flowers including the Red Disa (Disa uniflora).

Metamorphosis - Official Journal of the Lepidopterists' Society of Africa

Metamorphosis Journal

Metamorphosis, now in its 40^th year, is published by the Lepidopterists’ Society of Africa (LepSoc Africa www.lepsocafrica.org), and contains research articles on any aspect of the scientific study of African Lepidoptera. Its main objectives are to contribute significantly to the overall knowledge of the diversity, taxonomy, evolution, biogeography (distribution), life histories, habitats, ecology and conservation of African Lepidoptera.

Metamorphosis was originally published in 1982 as a printed journal for LepSoc Africa members and other paying subscribers until 2012 (ISSN 1018-6490). Online publishing of articles as PDFs on this website began with Volume 23 in 2012 (ISSN 2307-5031). From 2016 onwards it has become a fully Open Access journal. The annual printed version is provided free to sponsor and honorary life members, but is also purchased by other LepSoc Africa members, institutions and the general public.

This website in addition houses these other important LepSoc Africa publications:

Afrotropical Butterflies - an annually updated online encyclopaedia, which includes all the published data on all butterfly taxa in the Afrotropical region.

African Butterfly News - a bimonthly newsletter informing members and others about the activities and projects of LepSoc Africa

Practical Guide - a book with everything you need to know about studying, collecting and photographing Lepidoptera

Saftronics - Proud sponsor of Metamorphosis, The Official Journal of the Lepidopterists Society of Africa © 2013 - 2023 | METAMORPHOSIS | Official Journal of the Lepidopterists' Society of Africa | www.lepsocafrica.org
ISSN 1018-6490 (PRINT) ISSN 2307-5031 (ONLINE)
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