Archyala lindsayi facts for kids

Archyala lindsayi is a special kind of moth that belongs to the Tineidae family. This moth is found only in New Zealand, meaning it is endemic to that country. It is considered "At Risk, Naturally Uncommon" by the Department of Conservation. This means it's not often seen and needs protection.

Discovering and Naming the Moth

How Archyala lindsayi Got Its Name

This moth was first described in 1927 by a scientist named Alfred Philpott. He originally named it Tinea lindsayi. Philpott named the moth to honor Stewart Lindsay. Lindsay had collected the very first specimen of this moth. He found it at Mount Grey in North Canterbury, New Zealand.

Changes to Its Classification

In 1928, another scientist, George Hudson, wrote about this moth. He included a drawing of it in his book, The Butterflies and Moths of New Zealand. However, later on, John S. Dugdale thought that Hudson's drawing wasn't quite accurate. In 1988, Dugdale decided to move this moth into a different group, or genus, called Archyala. This is why its full scientific name is now Archyala lindsayi.

Where the Original Specimen Is Kept

The very first moth specimen that Philpott used to describe the species is called the holotype. This important specimen is kept safe at the Canterbury Museum in New Zealand.

What the Moth Looks Like

Size and Colors

The Archyala lindsayi moth is quite small, measuring about 11 millimeters across when its wings are spread. Its head is a dark bronze-brown color. The front part of its head, called the frons, is white.

Wings and Body

The moth's main body and chest area are a dark purplish-brown. Its front wings are long and have straight sides. They are a leaden-grey color. These wings also have many dark, irregular bands or stripes that are a bronze-brown color. The edges of the wings, called fringes, are dark brown. The back wings are also a dark purplish-brown.

Where This Moth Lives

This special moth is found only in New Zealand. So far, scientists have only found it in one place: Mount Grey. This is the same place where the first specimen was collected. Because it's only known from one spot, it's considered very rare.

Life of the Archyala lindsayi Moth

Scientists believe that the young moths, called larvae, might live inside dead wood. They think the larvae bore into the wood and eat the parts that have fungus growing on them. This is a common behavior for some types of moths.

Protecting This Moth

Its Conservation Status

The Archyala lindsayi moth has a special conservation status in New Zealand. It is classified as "At Risk, Naturally Uncommon" under the New Zealand Threat Classification System.

What "At Risk, Naturally Uncommon" Means

This status means that the moth is not found in many places. It's naturally rare, which makes it more vulnerable. While it might not be in immediate danger of disappearing, its small population and limited habitat mean it needs careful watching to make sure it stays safe.