Asaphodes clarata facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Asaphodes clarata |
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Asaphodes clarata 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.
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Understanding Asaphodes clarata
How Scientists Name and Study Moths
Scientists use a system called taxonomy to name and classify living things. This helps them organize and understand different species.
This moth was first described by a scientist named Francis Walker in 1862. He gave it the name Larentia clarata. He studied moths that were found in Waikouaiti, a place in Otago, New Zealand.
Later, another scientist, George Hudson, wrote about and drew this moth in his book, New Zealand moths and butterflies. He called it Xanthorhoe clarata.
The original specimen that Walker used to describe the species is called a holotype. This important specimen is kept safe at the Natural History Museum, London.
What Does This Moth Look Like?
George Hudson described this moth in detail. Here's what he said:
- Male moths have a wingspan of about 3.8 centimeters (1.5 inches).
- Female moths are slightly smaller, with a wingspan of about 3.5 centimeters (1.375 inches).
- The front wings are bright and have jagged patterns.
- There's often a large white band in the middle of the wings. This band can sometimes look like several separate oval patches.
- The edges of the wings near the body are slightly shaded with brown.
- The lines across the wings reach all the way to the edge.
- The back wings are a bright yellowish-brown color.
- The fringes of all the wings (the tiny hairs along the edges) are white with strong yellowish-brown stripes.
Where Does This Moth Live?
This moth is found only in New Zealand. It prefers to live in high-up areas, like the tussock-covered hillsides of mountain ranges. You can find it in both the North and South Islands of New Zealand. It has been seen in places like Otago and Canterbury.
Life Cycle of the Moth
Adult Asaphodes clarata moths are usually active during the summer months. You can see them flying around from December to February.
What Does This Moth Eat and Where Does It Live?
This moth likes to live in open, grassy areas in the mountains. The young moths, called larvae (or caterpillars), eat the leaves of Ranunculus plants.
Adult moths also play an important role in nature. They help pollinate certain plants, like Celmisia laricifolia and Hebe pinguifolia. This means they help these plants make seeds by carrying pollen from one flower to another.
Images for kids
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Illustration of female A. clarata by George Hudson.
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Observation of live A. clarata.
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