Asaphodes chlamydota facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Asaphodes chlamydota |
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| Female | |
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Asaphodes
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A. chlamydota
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| Asaphodes chlamydota (Meyrick, 1883)
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The Asaphodes chlamydota is a type of moth that belongs to the family called Geometridae. This moth is special because it is found only in New Zealand. You can find it in the lower part of the North Island and all over the South Island. It likes to live in forests and areas with lots of shrubs. This moth eats native Clematis plants.
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About This Moth's Name
Scientists give every living thing a special name. This moth was first described by a scientist named Edward Meyrick in 1883. He first called it Epyaxa chlamydota. Later that same year, Meyrick gave an even more detailed description of the moth.
Another scientist, George Hudson, wrote about this moth in his 1898 book, New Zealand Moths and Butterflies. He referred to it as Xanthorhoe chlamydota. Finally, in 1971, John S. Dugdale placed this moth into the group we know today, Asaphodes.
What Does This Moth Look Like?
The Asaphodes chlamydota moth has a wingspan of about 1.25 inches (3.2 cm). Its front wings are a light yellowish-brown color.
They have two wide, dark purplish-brown stripes. The first stripe is near the moth's body and curves outwards. The second, wider stripe is in the middle of the wing. This middle stripe has two rounded bumps, one big and one small. These bumps are outlined in bright red.
The top part of the wing is yellowish-brown with some faint brown marks. The lower part is a dull grey. The back wings are dark yellowish-brown with some faint purplish-grey patterns. The edge of the back wing is a bit bumpy.
Where Does This Moth Live?
The Asaphodes chlamydota moth is endemic to New Zealand. This means it lives naturally only in New Zealand. You can find it in the lower part of the North Island and throughout the South Island.
Scientists have found this moth in places like Wellington, Christchurch, and Akaroa. It has also been seen in the Wellington Botanic Garden. Specimens have been collected in the Mid Canterbury area and in the Dansey ecological district in Otago.
Its Home and What It Eats
This moth lives in forests and areas with lots of shrubs. It has been found in places that are less than 500 meters (about 1,640 feet) above sea level.
Host Plants
The Asaphodes chlamydota moth feeds on plants from the Clematis group. One of the plants it eats is Clematis afoliata.
How It Flies
This moth is known to have medium flying abilities. It can stay active even when there are light breezes.
When Can You See This Moth?
Adult Asaphodes chlamydota moths are usually seen between November and April. However, some have also been collected in October.
Images for kids
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Illustration of a female A. chlamydota by George Hudson.
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Observation of live A. chlamydota.
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Clematis afoliata, host species.
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