Epichorista lindsayi facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Epichorista lindsayi |
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|---|---|
| Conservation status | |
 Nationally Endangered (NZ TCS) |
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| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Epichorista
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| Species: |
lindsayi
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Epichorista lindsayi is a special kind of moth. It belongs to a group of moths called Tortricidae. This moth is only found in New Zealand, which means it's endemic there. Sadly, it's considered a Nationally Endangered species by the Department of Conservation.
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Discovering the Epichorista lindsayi Moth
A scientist named Alfred Philpott first described this moth in 1928. He named it after Stuart Lindsay, who found the first two male moths near Little River on January 29, 1928. Another scientist, George Vernon Hudson, also wrote about and drew this moth in his 1939 book, A supplement to the butterflies and moths of New Zealand.
Scientists are still studying how New Zealand moths in the Epichorista group are related. So, sometimes this moth is also called Epichorista (s.l.) lindsayi. The very first moth specimen used to describe the species, called the type specimen, is kept safe at the Canterbury Museum.
What the Epichorista lindsayi Moth Looks Like
The Epichorista lindsayi moth looks a lot like another moth called Eurythecta eremana. However, you can tell them apart by looking closely at the patterns of veins in their wings. These tiny differences in their wing veins help scientists identify them.
Where the Epichorista lindsayi Moth Lives
This moth is only found in New Zealand. So far, it has only ever been seen on the Banks Peninsula, which is a unique area in the South Island.
The Epichorista lindsayi Moth's Home
The Epichorista lindsayi moth likes to live in grassy clearings. These clearings are found in lowland podocarp forests, which are old, mature forests. The grassy areas where it lives are mostly covered by a plant called Microlaena polynoda.
Epichorista lindsayi Moth's Daily Life
Unlike many moths that fly at night, the Epichorista lindsayi moth is a day-flying moth. This means you are more likely to see it active during the daytime.
Plants the Epichorista lindsayi Moth Uses
This moth is closely connected to the plant Microlaena polynoda. Scientists believe that this plant is likely where the Epichorista lindsayi moth lays its eggs and where its young (larvae) feed.
Protecting the Epichorista lindsayi Moth
The Epichorista lindsayi moth is in trouble. It has been classified under the New Zealand Threat Classification system as "Nationally Endangered." This means there are very few of these moths left, and they are at high risk of disappearing from New Zealand forever if we don't protect them.
