Corokia leafroller moth facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Corokia leafroller moth |
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Ericodesma
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E. cuneata
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| Ericodesma cuneata (Clarke, 1926)
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The Corokia leafroller moth, officially known as Ericodesma cuneata, is a type of moth from the Tortricidae family. It is found only in New Zealand, meaning it is endemic to this country. The Department of Conservation in New Zealand has classified this moth as "At Risk, Naturally Uncommon." This means it's not very common in nature and needs some attention to protect it.
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About the Corokia Leafroller Moth
How Was It Discovered?
This moth was first described in 1926 by a scientist named Charles E. Clarke. He found a specimen of the moth at Hope Arm, near Lake Manapouri. He first named it Tortrix cuneata. Later, in 1971, another scientist, John S. Dugdale, decided it belonged to a different group, the Ericodesma genus. The original moth specimen that Clarke used to describe the species is kept at the Auckland War Memorial Museum.
What Does It Look Like?
The Corokia leafroller moth is quite small, usually about 13 millimeters long. Its head and body are light grey. The antennae are also grey. Its front wings are long and narrow, with a slightly rounded tip. They are pale grey and might have some faint dots. A special feature is a reddish, wedge-shaped bar on the middle of its back, reaching about halfway across the wing. The back wings are a pale yellowish-grey.
Where Does It Live?
This moth is only found in New Zealand. You can find E. cuneata in places like Taupō, the Otago Lakes area, and Fiordland. Even though it's generally rare, it can be seen more often in a specific area called The Wilderness in Southland.
How Does It Behave?
The young moths, called larvae, are quite clever. They like to roll up the leaves of their host plants and web them together. This creates a safe little home for them while they grow.
What Does It Eat and Where Does It Live?
The larvae of the Corokia leafroller moth mainly eat the leaves of a plant called Corokia cotoneaster, also known as korokio. Interestingly, these moths haven't been found on korokio plants that are grown in cities or gardens. Adult moths have been found in beech forests. They also live in areas with very old, washed-out soils, which are often called "wilderness" areas.
Protecting the Moth
The Corokia leafroller moth is listed as "At Risk, Naturally Uncommon" under the New Zealand Threat Classification System. This means that while it's not critically endangered, it's naturally rare and its population needs to be watched carefully to make sure it stays healthy and doesn't disappear.
