malachene

Malachene is a genus of moths in the family Geometridae. This genus, established by Émile Dufrane in 1922, is found in Africa. Species within Malachene are characterized by specific morphological features, particularly in their wing venation and genitalia, which distinguish them from other geometrid moths. The larvae of Malachene moths, like other geometrids, are typically looper caterpillars, meaning they have fewer legs than typical insects and move by arching their bodies. The exact host plants for most Malachene species are not extensively documented in readily available literature, a common issue with many less-studied insect genera. Research on this genus often focuses on taxonomic descriptions, distribution records, and phylogenetic relationships within the broader family Geometridae. Conservation status information is generally unavailable for most Malachene species, suggesting they are not currently considered a high priority for conservation efforts or their populations are not well-documented. Further studies are needed to fully understand the ecology, life cycle, and distribution of the various species within the Malachene genus.