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Arctesthes catapyrrha facts for kids

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Arctesthes catapyrrha
Arctesthes catapyrrha male.jpg
Male
Arctesthes catapyrrha female.jpg
Female
Scientific classification
Kingdom:
Phylum:
Class:
Order:
Family:
Genus:
Arctesthes
Species:
A. catapyrrha
Binomial name
Arctesthes catapyrrha
(Butler, 1877)
Synonyms
  • Fidonia catapyrrha Butler, 1877
  • Arctesthes catapyrrha fasciata Prout, 1929
  • Arctesthes catapyrrha kaikourensis Prout, 1939

The Arctesthes catapyrrha is a type of moth that belongs to the Geometridae family. This special moth is found only in New Zealand, meaning it is endemic to that country. It was first described by Arthur Gardiner Butler in 1877.

Where It Lives

This moth, A. catapyrrha, can be found in many places across New Zealand. It lives in open areas, from the coast all the way up to high mountain regions.

It especially likes rocky places, such as riverbeds filled with stones or stony fields. You can spot it in areas like the Mackenzie Country, Kaitorete Spit, near the Waimakariri River, and in Central Otago.

Life of the Moth

LEPI Geometridae Arctesthes catapyrrha larva
A larva of Arctesthes catapyrrha

Unlike many moths, A. catapyrrha is a day-flying moth. This means you can see adult moths flying around during the daytime.

Adult moths are usually active between October and March. This is when they fly and lay their eggs.

What It Eats

The young moths, called larvae, have specific plants they like to eat. They feed on different kinds of low-growing herbs.

Some of their favorite foods include various types of Plantago species. They also enjoy eating Raoulia australis.

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