Brindled bell moth facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Brindled bell moth |
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Epalxiphora
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E. axenana
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| Epalxiphora axenana Meyrick, 1881
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The brindled bell moth (scientific name: Epalxiphora axenana) is a small, interesting moth. It belongs to a group of moths called Tortricidae. This moth is special because it is only found in New Zealand. It lives on the North Island.
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Discover the Brindled Bell Moth
The brindled bell moth was first described by a scientist named Edward Meyrick in 1881. Its scientific name, Epalxiphora axenana, helps scientists around the world know exactly which moth they are talking about.
What Does This Moth Look Like?
The brindled bell moth has pretty wings. Its front wings, called forewings, are a mix of whitish-yellow and brownish-yellow colors. They have cloudy patterns on them. The very edge of the wing, near the body, is white.
The back wings, called hindwings, are mostly whitish. They have a faint, light grey pattern near the back edge. These colors help the moth blend in with its surroundings.
Where Does the Brindled Bell Moth Live?
This moth is endemic to New Zealand. This means it is found naturally only in New Zealand and nowhere else in the world. So far, it has only been seen on the North Island of New Zealand.
What Does the Brindled Bell Moth Eat?
Like many moths, the brindled bell moth has different eating habits at different stages of its life.
- Larvae (caterpillars): The young moths, called larvae, eat leaves from specific plants. They like to munch on plants such as Macropiper excelsum (also known as kōwhitiwhiti or kawakawa), Dysoxylum spectabile (a native New Zealand tree), and different kinds of Citrus trees.
- Adults: Adult moths usually drink nectar from flowers or other plant juices.
When Can You See This Moth?
Adult brindled bell moths can be seen flying around from November to the beginning of January. They might have more than one generation of moths born during this time each year.
