Acroclita discariana facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Acroclita discariana |
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| Conservation status | |
 Nationally Vulnerable (NZ TCS) |
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| Scientific classification |
The Acroclita discariana is a small moth that belongs to the Tortricidae family. This special moth is found only in New Zealand, meaning it is endemic to this country. The Department of Conservation has listed it as Nationally Vulnerable, which means it needs protection.
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Discovering the Acroclita discariana Moth
Scientists first described this moth in 1930. A scientist named Alfred Philpott gave it the name Acroclita discariana. He studied a moth found by Stuart Lindsay near the Porter River.
Sometimes, scientists also call it Acroclita (s.l.) discariana. This means its exact group (genus) is still being studied. The original moth specimen, called a holotype, is kept at the Canterbury Museum.
What the Acroclita discariana Moth Looks Like
This moth is about 15 to 16 millimeters long. Its head, mouthparts (palpi), and body (thorax) are mostly grey. The antennae are simple and grey in both male and female moths.
The front wings are grey, mixed with brownish colors. They have many small, dark lines across them. There is a dark, triangular spot and a V-shaped mark on these wings. These marks are much clearer on the female moths. The back wings are dark brown.
Where the Acroclita discariana Moth Lives
This moth is found only in New Zealand. It lives in specific areas like Marlborough, North Canterbury, and Mid Canterbury. However, you won't find it everywhere in these regions; its presence is quite scattered.
Besides the place where it was first found, this moth has been seen in other spots. These include Motunau/Gore Bay Beach, Cass, and Jacks Pass near Hamner. It has also been found at Amberley Beach, Famish Stream in the Upper Wairau Valley, and the Culverden Scientific Reserve.
Life Cycle and Habits
The young moths, called larvae, create unique webs on their favorite plant. These webs are very strong and white. They can be as large as 30 centimeters across and are found where the plant's stems meet. Both the larvae and the pupae (the stage before becoming an adult moth) live inside these webs.
Adult A. discariana moths fly during the day. You can usually see them flying in October and November.
The Moth's Favorite Plant
The Acroclita discariana moth depends on a specific plant to live. Its host plant is the Discaria toumatou, which is also a plant found only in New Zealand.
Protecting the Acroclita discariana Moth
Under the New Zealand Threat Classification System, this moth is classified as Nationally Vulnerable. This means its population is at risk, and efforts are needed to protect it and its habitat.
See Also
