a mopane worm (Imbrassia belina) eating the leaves of a mopane tree (Colophospermum mopane).

The mopane worm is probably the most important insect in southern Africa from a cultural point of view. It forms the basis of a multi-million rand trade in edible insects, providing a livelihood for many harvesters, traders and their families. The mopane tree only occurs in Africa, in hot, dry, low-lying areas, and is the only species in genus Colophospermum.