Chalastra ochrea facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Chalastra ochrea |
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Chalastra
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C. ochrea
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| Chalastra ochrea (Howes, 1911)
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The Chalastra ochrea is a type of moth that belongs to the Geometridae family. This special moth is only found in New Zealand, meaning it is endemic to that country.
It was first officially described by a scientist named George Howes in 1911. He found specimens of this moth in February and April at a place called Woodhaugh Gardens in Dunedin.
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Meet the New Zealand Ochrea Moth
The Chalastra ochrea is a fascinating insect. It's a small moth, but it plays a part in the unique ecosystem of New Zealand. Like all moths, it goes through a complete life cycle, changing from an egg to a larva, then a pupa, and finally an adult moth.
What is a Geometer Moth?
The Chalastra ochrea is part of the Geometridae family. These moths are often called "geometer moths" or "looper moths." Their name comes from the way their caterpillars move. "Geometer" means "earth-measurer" in Greek. This is because their caterpillars seem to "measure" the ground as they walk. They do this by bringing their back legs up to meet their front legs, forming a loop, and then stretching forward again.
Where Does This Moth Live?
This moth is special because it's only found in New Zealand. This means it's a native species that has adapted perfectly to the environment there. You won't find the Chalastra ochrea living naturally anywhere else in the world!
Its Early Life: The Caterpillar
The young stage of the Chalastra ochrea is a caterpillar. These caterpillars are usually brown. They have unique patterns on their bodies that help them blend in with their surroundings. These markings might help them hide from predators.
What Do the Caterpillars Eat?
The caterpillars of the Chalastra ochrea moth have a specific diet. They love to munch on the leaves of Sophora trees. One of their favorite meals is the leaves from the Sophora chathamica tree, which is also native to New Zealand.
Who Discovered the Moth?
The person who first described the Chalastra ochrea was George Howes. He was an entomologist, which is a scientist who studies insects. He officially named and described this moth in 1911, based on the moths he found in Dunedin.
