Pharmacophagy and its diverse functional aspects is introduced using examples from studies on relationships between insects and pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs) in Africa. Remaining open questions are outlined, emphasizing the over-riding need for natural history information from the field on ‘PA-insects’ and ‘PA-plants’.

The distribution of the noctuid Namangana thyatirodes Hampson in South Africa is detailed, and comments are made on the taxonomic position of the species.

Predation of Lepidoptera, and in particular butterflies, is reported on after the analysis of database records held at the Natal Museum. Of 138 lepidopteran records 81 relate to butterflies.  A complete list of butterfly species known to have been attacked and fed upon by robber flies is provided.  The range and size of butterflies involved suggests that robber flies are probably capable of catching virtually any butterfly.  Attention is drawn to the need to study all aspects of butterfly ecology in the interests of establishing truly effective conservation programmes.