Archyala opulenta facts for kids

Archyala opulenta is a type of moth that belongs to the Tineidae family. This special moth is only found in New Zealand. Scientists have classified it as "Data Deficient," which means they don't have enough information to know how many of these moths are left or if they are in danger.

Discovering the Archyala opulenta Moth

This moth was first described by a scientist named Alfred Philpott in 1926. He studied moths that were collected by E. S. Gourlay in November, from a place called the upper Maitai Valley in Nelson. Another scientist, George Hudson, thought this moth might be the same as another species, A. terranea. However, Philpott later showed how to tell the two species apart. The main specimen, called the holotype, is kept at the New Zealand Arthropod Collection.

What Does Archyala opulenta Look Like?

Philpott described this moth as being about 17 to 19 millimeters long. Its head and mouthparts (palpi) are a mix of yellowish-brown and dark brown. The antennae are dark brown. The body (thorax) is dark brown mixed with yellowish-brown, and the abdomen is dark grayish-brown. Its legs are dark brown mixed with yellowish-brown.

Wings and Markings

The front wings are long and have a strongly curved front edge. The tip is rounded, and the back edge is sloped. They are yellowish-brown with many dark purplish-brown stripes that slant outwards. These stripes are most noticeable on the front edge of the wing. There is also a wider, more continuous stripe that goes across the wing. Around the outer edge of the wing, there are a series of yellowish-brown spots. The fringes (hairs) on the wings are dark brown mixed with yellowish-brown. The hindwings are dark brown with a purplish-violet shine, and their fringes are dark brown.

Where Does Archyala opulenta Live?

This moth is endemic to New Zealand, meaning it's found nowhere else in the world. It has been discovered in two main areas: Nelson and the Northland area.

Life and Habits of the Moth

This moth was first found living in the bush. Scientists have learned that the young moths, called larvae, are linked to bat colonies. They feed on guano, which is bat droppings, from a type of bat called Mystacinidae. Adult moths are usually seen flying around in November.

How is This Moth Protected?

The Archyala opulenta moth is listed under the New Zealand Threat Classification System as "Data Deficient." This means that scientists don't have enough information or data to know if its population is growing, shrinking, or staying the same. More research is needed to understand its conservation needs.

Images for kids

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  Maitai Valley, the place where A. opulenta was first found.