Eudonia ustiramis facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Eudonia ustiramis |
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Female | |
 |
|
| Male | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | |
| Phylum: | |
| Class: | |
| Order: | |
| Family: | |
| Genus: |
Eudonia
|
| Species: |
E. ustiramis
|
| Binomial name | |
| Eudonia ustiramis (Meyrick, 1931)
|
|
| Synonyms | |
|
|
Eudonia ustiramis is a small moth that belongs to the family Crambidae. This special moth is found only in New Zealand. Scientists are still learning about it, so its conservation status is listed as "Data Deficient." This means we don't have enough information to know if it's safe or at risk.
Contents
Discovering the Eudonia ustiramis Moth
This moth was first described in 1931 by a scientist named Edward Meyrick. He used a moth specimen found in Whangarei to name it Scoparia ustiramis. Later, in 1939, George Hudson wrote about and drew this moth in his book about New Zealand's butterflies and moths.
In 1988, another scientist, John S. Dugdale, moved this moth into the Eudonia group. The original moth specimen, called the holotype, is kept safe at the Natural History Museum, London.
What Does the Eudonia ustiramis Moth Look Like?
This moth is about 16 millimeters wide when its wings are spread. Its head and body are a mix of grey and white. The moth's front wings are long and triangular. They are mostly grey, with white speckles along the edges.
Some moths have strong dark lines on their front wings. Other moths of this species might look a bit different. Scientists can tell them apart by looking closely at their features.
Where Does the Eudonia ustiramis Moth Live?
This moth is endemic to New Zealand. This means it is found naturally nowhere else in the world. For a long time, scientists only knew about it from the place it was first found. But recently, it has been seen more often. It is now known to live in parts of Northland and Auckland.
What is the Eudonia ustiramis Moth's Home Like?
This moth likes to live in special areas called gumland heaths. These are open areas with low-growing plants, often found on poor soil.
Is the Eudonia ustiramis Moth Safe?
The Eudonia ustiramis moth is currently listed as "Data Deficient" by the Department of Conservation. This means we don't have enough information to know if its population is healthy or if it needs protection. More research is needed to understand this unique New Zealand moth better.
