Aristotelia paradesma facts for kids

The Aristotelia paradesma is a type of moth. It belongs to a group of moths called Gelechiidae. A scientist named Edward Meyrick first described this moth in 1885. You can find it living in New Zealand.

About the Aristotelia paradesma Moth

This moth is part of the Gelechiidae family. This family includes many small moths. They are often called "twirler moths" because of how they hold their wings.

What It Looks Like

The Aristotelia paradesma moth has a wingspan of about 17 millimeters (mm). This is roughly the size of a small coin.

Its front wings, called forewings, are mostly whitish. They have light grey sprinkles. There is also a greyish area along the inside edge.

You might notice some blackish spots and streaks on the forewings. There is a small dark spot near the base. Other black dots and a thick, dark streak are also present. These markings help the moth blend in with its surroundings.

The back wings, known as hindwings, are a plain grey color.

Where It Lives

This moth is found only in New Zealand. This means it is an endemic species. Endemic species live naturally in only one place in the world.

The larvae, or young moths, of Aristotelia paradesma feed on a plant called Coprosma robusta. This plant is also native to New Zealand.

Images for kids

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  Illustration by George Hudson.

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  Larval host Coprosma robusta