The rational management of natural biological resources such as non-timber forest products can be an asset in the fight against poverty and the protection of the environment. Goimbrasia hecate is a Lepidoptera whose caterpillars are edible in some Sahelian areas of Mali. The objectives of the study are: 1) to identify the host plants of G. hecate; 2) to determine the food preference of the caterpillars; 3) to identify the host plants chosen as oviposition site. The inventory of woody plants was carried out in demarcated areas. Then the different stages of development of G. hecate or the traces left by the insect were searched for the leaves and around the feet of woody plants. Of the 12 species of woody plants encountered, the most widespread is Guiera senegalensis. The range of host plants consists of G. senegalensis, Combretum glutinosum, Combretum micranthum, Terminalia macroptera, Piliostigma reticulatum, Sclerocarya birrea, Diospiros mespiliformis and Mytragyna inermis. G. hecate is therefore polyphagous but prefers the most widespread species in the area. Females chose G. senegalensis, C. glutinosum and P. reticulatum as oviposition sites. The average number of eggs per ooplaque is highest on C. glutinosum leaves. Stage 4 and 5 caterpillars prefer G. senegalensis and P. reticulatum. These data are necessary for the sustainable management of the insect.