Austrocidaria arenosa facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Austrocidaria arenosa |
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Xanthorhoini
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Austrocidaria
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A. arenosa
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| Austrocidaria arenosa (Howes, 1911)
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The Austrocidaria arenosa is a special type of moth that belongs to the Geometridae family. These moths are sometimes called "geometer moths" or "loopers." This particular moth is found only in New Zealand, which means it is endemic to that country.
Sadly, the Austrocidaria arenosa is facing some challenges. The Department of Conservation in New Zealand has listed it as "At Risk, Declining." This means its population numbers are going down, and it needs help to survive.
Contents
About This Moth
How It Got Its Name
This moth was first discovered and described by a scientist named George Howes in 1911. He found the first specimens at a house in Titahi Bay, which is near Porirua in New Zealand. When he first described it, he gave it the name Eucymatoge arenosus.
Later, in 1928, another entomologist (a scientist who studies insects) named George Vernon Hudson wrote about this moth. He also drew pictures of it. Hudson decided to change part of its name to arenosa.
Even later, in 1988, John S. Dugdale looked at the moth again. He decided that it belonged in a new group, or genus, called Austrocidaria. So, the moth's full scientific name became Austrocidaria arenosa. The very first specimen of this moth, called the holotype, is kept safe at the Natural History Museum, London.
What It Looks Like
The adult Austrocidaria arenosa moths are about 5.5 centimeters (or about 2.2 inches) long. Both the males and females look quite similar.
Their heads and the main part of their bodies (thorax) are a pale yellowish-brown color, with a little bit of grey mixed in. Their abdomens (the back part of their bodies) are also yellowish-brown. They have thin black stripes that are broken in the middle on each segment of their abdomen.
All of their wings are a pale yellowish-brown. They have wavy, darker lines crossing over them. The front wings also have a slightly darker, smudgy area near the tip. The tiny hairs along the edges of their wings are greyish-white, with a darker grey line at the very bottom. You can also see tiny black marks along the veins in their wings and around the edges.
Where It Lives
The Austrocidaria arenosa moth is only found in New Zealand. Besides the place where it was first found in Titahi Bay, it has also been seen in a few other spots. These include Moeraki, which is close to Oamaru, and also at Paekakariki. It has also been recorded near Cass.
Its Life and Habits
These moths are quite active! Adult Austrocidaria arenosa moths are known to be attracted to sweet things like flower blossoms and sugar. They also fly towards light, which is why you might sometimes see moths around outdoor lights at night.
You can usually spot these adult moths flying around during the warmer months. They are active between November and March, which is summertime in New Zealand.
Conservation Status
The Austrocidaria arenosa moth is listed under the New Zealand Threat Classification System. It is classified as "At Risk, Declining." This means that the number of these moths is going down, and they are considered vulnerable. Efforts are being made to understand and protect this unique New Zealand moth so that its population can grow again.
See Also
