Coconut moth facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Coconut moth |
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| Scientific classification | |
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Batrachedridae
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| Genus: |
Batrachedra
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| Species: |
B. arenosella
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| Binomial name | |
| Batrachedra arenosella (Walker, 1864)
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The coconut moth, also known as the armoured scale eating caterpillar, is a small moth with the scientific name Batrachedra arenosella. It belongs to the Batrachedridae family. This moth was first described by Francis Walker in 1864.
Where Does the Coconut Moth Live?
You can find the coconut moth in many different countries. It lives in India, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Réunion. It is also found in New Zealand and various parts of Australia. In Australia, it lives from the Northern Territory and northern Queensland down to New South Wales and South Australia.
What Does the Coconut Moth Look Like?
This tiny moth has a wingspan of about 10 millimeters. That's roughly the length of a fingernail! The front wings of the adult moth are speckled brown. They have special fringes along their inner edge. These fringes are even longer than the width of the wing itself.
The hindwings are narrower than the front wings. They also have fringes along their edges. The fringes along the inner edge of the hindwings are even longer. The moth's antennae are longer than its front wings.
What Do Coconut Moth Caterpillars Eat?
The young moths, called larvae or caterpillars, have interesting eating habits. They have been seen causing damage to the flowers of coconut palm trees. This is why it's called the "coconut moth."
However, other observations suggest that these caterpillars can eat different things too. Some records show them feeding on the seeds of Juncus species, which are a type of rush plant.
Interestingly, some larvae have been found living on Eucalyptus trees. On these trees, they were seen eating small scale insects. This means they can sometimes be predators, helping to control other insect populations.
