Moths of the genus Anaphae (Lepidoptera, Thaumetopoeidae) cause skin eruptions in Africa, conveniently called ‘papillonite’ or Lepidopterism. The hairs or ‘flechettes’ of adult female moths may be responsible for this disease. The morphology of the urticant apparatus of the moths, Anaphae venata and A. panda, has been studied with the scanning electron microscope. In these two species, the ‘flechettes’ are implanted in individual sockets. Although their morphology is identical, their size is different in A. venata and A. panda. Morphological differences with other urticating species of the genus Hylesia (Saturniidae), are discussed.
