In mid December our garden had a few moth visitors that we had not seen in previous years. The first was discovered, as it is normal around here, by Stephen, our caretaker. Later on, Adam, his son brought another one and we also found another couple of them in the garden. Subsequently they entered the house, attracted by the light where they stayed for a few days.
I identified them as Bunaea alcinoe but the colours were, somehow, not completely right so, once more, I appealed to the internet for an answer and contacted www.africanmoths.com seeking clarification. I place our exchange below:
Date: Tue, 15 Dec 2015 10:49:44 +0200
Subject: Bunaea alcinoe?
From: juliojdecastro@gmail.com
To: roy.goff@hotmail.com
Dear Julio, This is indeed a beautiful moth and one I have never seen. It is not Bunaea alcinoe but is called Nudaurelia macrothyris please see http://www.africanmoths.com/pages/SATURNIIDAE/SATURNIINAE/nudaurelia%20macrothyris.html for more details. Do you object if I add this picture to the page in due course? Best wishes, Roy Goff.
A Bushsnob in Africa 
How lovely, Julio. Their patterns remind me of making RAF Airfix model planes as a boy.
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They were superb and the pics do not reflect their real colours!
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Well spotted! Very beautiful and huge butterfly indeed 😉
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Thank you. They were huge and only there for 3-4 days!
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Belated Merry Christmas & all the best for 2016 to Julio, Mabel, Julito & Florencia from Paul & Patricia who didn’t send you a card this year as they weren’t sure where to send it. Your posts much enjoyed – you should collate into a book! Paul and Patricia well enough – this year they will celebrate combined 180 years on earth. Trust this finds you both well and enjoying life to the fullest. Blessings, P & P
Sent from Windows Mail
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Many thanks and we also send our very best wishes!!! Good to be in touch! 180 yrs! Time does fly!!! Warmest regards to all and I will keep “blogging”. A book is a possibility…
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