Fuzzweed moth facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Australothis volatilis |
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| Male | |
| Conservation status | |
 Nationally Critical (NZ TCS) |
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| Scientific classification | |
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Australothis
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| Species: |
A. volatilis
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| Binomial name | |
| Australothis volatilis Matthews & Patrick, 1998
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The Australothis volatilis, also known as the fuzzweed moth, is a type of moth. It belongs to the Noctuidae family. This special moth lives only in New Zealand, meaning it is endemic there. Sadly, the Department of Conservation has said that this moth is critically endangered. This means it is at a very high risk of disappearing forever.
Contents
Discovering the Fuzzweed Moth
This moth was first found by a scientist named Brian H. Patrick. He discovered it in Central Otago in 1989. Later, in 1998, he and his fellow scientist M. Matthews officially described it. This means they gave it its scientific name and wrote about it for other scientists.
Where the Fuzzweed Moth Lives
The fuzzweed moth is unique to New Zealand. It has only been found in a few specific places. These include six sites in Central Otago and the Mackenzie Basin. This small living area makes the moth even more vulnerable.
What the Fuzzweed Moth Eats
The young fuzzweed moths, called larvae or caterpillars, eat plants. They feed on plants from the Vittadinia family. Their main food source is a plant called white fuzzweed (Vittadinia australis). This plant is also special because it only grows in New Zealand. It also needs help to be protected.
The caterpillars enjoy eating different parts of the white fuzzweed. They munch on the flowerheads, leaves, and developing seeds. Scientists have also seen the larvae eating another plant, Vittadinia gracilis. However, it is not known if this plant gives them all the food they need to grow into healthy adult moths.
Protecting the Fuzzweed Moth
The fuzzweed moth is in a lot of trouble. The New Zealand Threat Classification System lists it as Nationally Critical. This is the highest threat level for a species in New Zealand. It means the moth could become extinct if we don't help it.
