Asaphodes cataphracta facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Asaphodes cataphracta |
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Asaphodes
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A. cataphracta
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| Asaphodes cataphracta (Meyrick, 1883)
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Asaphodes cataphracta is a type of moth that belongs to the Geometridae family. This moth is special because it is only found in New Zealand. You can find it living in the South Island.
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Discovering the Asaphodes cataphracta Moth
Scientists give every living thing a special name. This helps them organize and study nature.
Who First Described This Moth?
The Asaphodes cataphracta moth was first described in 1883. A scientist named Edward Meyrick gave it the name Larentia cataphracta.
How the Moth's Name Changed
Later, in 1898, another scientist named George Hudson studied this moth. He wrote about it in his book, New Zealand moths and butterflies. In his book, he called the moth Xanthorhoe cataphracta. Scientists sometimes change names as they learn more about different species.
What Does the Asaphodes cataphracta Moth Look Like?
The Asaphodes cataphracta moth has some interesting features.
Forewings and Hindwings
The front wings, called fore-wings, are a dull yellowish-brown color. They have many wavy, slanted bands that are black and white. There is a wide white band near the middle of the wing. Another wide white band is about three-quarters of the way along the wing.
The edge of the wing near the body has a reddish-brown line. The black and white bands almost disappear into this line. The tip of the wing has a light, somewhat triangle-shaped area.
The back wings, called hind-wings, are a very pale greyish-yellow. The tiny hairs along the edges of all the wings are also very pale yellowish.
Differences Between Male and Female Moths
Female Asaphodes cataphracta moths look a bit different from the males. Females are usually duller in color and paler than the males.
Where Does the Asaphodes cataphracta Moth Live?
This moth is special because it is endemic to New Zealand. This means it is found nowhere else in the world.
Locations in the South Island
You can find A. cataphracta in the South Island of New Zealand. Scientists have collected samples of this moth in places like North Canterbury and Westland.
The moth has been found in the Mount Cook area. It was also seen at Arthur's Pass and near Lake Wakatipu. These moths can live at high altitudes, up to 1200 meters (about 3,900 feet) above sea level.
George Hudson noted that the moth was very common in the Humboldt mountains. Another scientist, George Howes, found specimens in tussock areas near the Homer saddle.
Preferred Habitat
The Asaphodes cataphracta moth likes to live on grassy mountain slopes. This is where it finds its home and food.
Images for kids
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Illustration of female A. cataphracta by George Hudson.
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Observation of live A. cataphracta.
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