Aponotoreas dissimilis facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Aponotoreas dissimilis |
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The Aponotoreas dissimilis is a type of moth that belongs to the family called Geometridae. These moths are special because they are found only in New Zealand. This means they are endemic to that country.
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How Was This Moth Discovered and Named?
This interesting moth was first described in 1914 by a scientist named Alfred Philpott. He initially gave it the name Venusia dissimilis. The moth specimens he studied were collected by Merlin Owen Pasco.
Later, in 1986, another scientist named R. C. Craw looked closely at this moth. He decided it was unique enough to be placed in a brand new group, or genus, which he named Aponotoreas. That's how the moth got its current name, Aponotoreas dissimilis.
What Does the Aponotoreas dissimilis Look Like?
The Aponotoreas dissimilis moth has a mix of reddish-brown and grey colors. Its front wings, called forewings, are shaped like triangles. Both the front and back wings have several faint, wavy dark lines across them.
You can also spot a small, round black dot on each of its forewings. Female moths look quite similar to the males, but they tend to have a bit more grey-brown color in their wings.
Where Can You Find This Moth?
The very first specimen of this moth that scientists used to describe the species, known as the type specimen, was found by Merlin Owen Pasco. He collected it in February at a place called Ben Lomond.
Besides Ben Lomond, these moths have also been found in areas around Te Kuha. So, if you're in New Zealand, you might spot one in these locations!
What Do Aponotoreas dissimilis Caterpillars Eat?
The young forms of the Aponotoreas dissimilis moth, which are called larvae (or caterpillars), have a specific taste! Scientists have observed that these caterpillars like to feed on plants from the Dracophyllum family. These plants are like their main food source as they grow.
