Asaphodes declarata facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Asaphodes declarata |
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| Male | |
Scientific classification  |
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| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Class: | Insecta |
| Order: | Lepidoptera |
| Family: | Geometridae |
| Genus: | Asaphodes |
| Species: |
A. declarata
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| Binomial name | |
| Asaphodes declarata (Prout, 1914)
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| Synonyms | |
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Asaphodes declarata is a type of moth that belongs to the family Geometridae. These moths are sometimes called "geometer moths" because their caterpillars seem to "measure" the earth as they move. This specific moth is found only in New Zealand, meaning it is endemic to that country.
Contents
About the Moth's Name
This moth was first described in 1914 by a scientist named Louis Beethoven Prout. He originally named it Xanthorhoe declarata. The first moths studied were collected by George Howes in a place called Ben Lomond in Otago, New Zealand.
Later, in 1928, another scientist, George Hudson, wrote about this moth. He included it in his book, The Butterflies and Moths of New Zealand. However, he made a small mistake about who found the moth and where it was first found.
In 1987, Robin C. Craw suggested that this moth should be placed in a different group, or genus, called Asaphodes. Another scientist, John S. Dugdale, agreed with this idea in 1988. The original moth specimen that Prout used to describe the species is kept at the Natural History Museum, London.
What Does It Look Like?
Scientists have described Asaphodes declarata as being very similar to another moth called Asaphodes clarata. However, there are some key differences.
Asaphodes declarata usually has markings on its front wings that are more grey-brown. Its hindwings are white, not yellow. The size and patterns on these moths can vary quite a bit, especially for the females. It can be easy to confuse this moth with a faded Asaphodes clarata.
Where Does It Live?
This moth is found only in New Zealand. It has been seen in the regions of Otago and Southland, which are located in the South Island.
Life Cycle and Habits
Adult Asaphodes declarata moths are usually seen flying from November to February. Sometimes, they have also been spotted in March.
Where It Likes to Live
Asaphodes declarata prefers to live in open areas with tussock grass. These areas are often found near beech forests in mountainous regions. You can find these moths at high elevations, usually between 450 and 1750 meters (about 1,476 to 5,741 feet) above sea level.
Images for kids
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Ben Lomond, the place where A. declarata was first found.
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An illustration of A. declarata by George Hudson.
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