Cadmogenes facts for kids

Cadmogenes is a special group of moths. It has only one known species, called Cadmogenes literata. This moth lives only in New Zealand, which means it is endemic there. The Department of Conservation in New Zealand has said that this moth is "Not Threatened," which is good news!

About This Unique Moth

This moth belongs to a family called Plutellidae. However, scientists are still studying it. Some think it might be so unique that it needs its own family!

Who Discovered Cadmogenes literata?

The moth Cadmogenes literata was first described in 1923. A scientist named Edward Meyrick studied some moths found in Silverstream and Auckland. He was the first to give this moth its scientific name.

Later, in 1928, another scientist named George Hudson wrote about this moth. He even drew pictures of it in his book, The Butterflies and Moths of New Zealand. The original moth specimen that Meyrick used to describe the species is now kept at the Natural History Museum, London.

What Does Cadmogenes literata Look Like?

This moth is quite small, usually about 15 to 17 millimeters wide when its wings are spread. That's about the length of your fingernail!

Its head and body are often a dull rosy or purplish-brown color. The front wings are long and have a rounded shape. They can be dull crimson with dark gray spots, or purplish-brown with faint white dots. You might also see some pale yellowish markings on them. The back wings are usually a pale gray.

Where Does Cadmogenes literata Live?

This moth is found only in New Zealand. It lives in several areas on the North Island. You can find it in the Northland, Auckland, Taupo, Taranaki, and Wellington areas.

What Do Cadmogenes literata Eat?

The young moths, called larvae, love to eat flowers. They feed on the flowers of two types of trees: Caldcluvia and Weinmannia. These moths usually have one generation born each year.

For example, the place where the first moth specimen was found, Kauri Gully, now has very few Weinmannia trees. But these trees are still common in Silverstream, another place where the moths live.

Is Cadmogenes literata in Danger?

No, this moth is not in danger. The New Zealand Threat Classification System has listed Cadmogenes literata as "Not Threatened." This means scientists are not worried about it disappearing.

Images for kids

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  Observation of live C. literata.

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  Illustration of C. literata by George Hudson.