Glyphipterix necopina facts for kids

The Glyphipterix necopina is a small and interesting moth found only in New Zealand. It belongs to a group of moths called sedge moths. The good news is that experts at the Department of Conservation say this moth is "Not Threatened," meaning it's not currently in danger of disappearing.

Discovering the Glyphipterix necopina Moth

This moth was first officially described in 1927 by a scientist named Alfred Philpott. He found a sample of the moth in a place called Golden Downs, near Nelson. Later, in 1939, another scientist, George Hudson, wrote about and drew pictures of this moth in his book about New Zealand's butterflies and moths. The original moth sample, called a holotype, is kept safe at the New Zealand Arthropod Collection.

What the Glyphipterix necopina Moth Looks Like

This moth is quite small, usually measuring about 12 to 14 millimeters across its wings. Its head is a pale yellowish-white color. The feelers, called palpi, are also yellowish-white, with brown tips. Its antennae are dark with yellowish rings. The body of the moth is mostly pale yellowish-white.

The front wings are a mix of yellowish and white colors. They have a dark, often long, spot about a third of the way along the wing. There's also a small black dot further along the wing. The edges of the wings have yellowish fringes. The back wings are a grayish-dark color with yellowish fringes.

The Glyphipterix necopina moth looks a bit like another moth called Glyphipterix achlyoessa. However, Glyphipterix necopina is smaller. It also has less clear markings on its wings compared to its look-alike.

Where the Glyphipterix necopina Moth Lives

This moth is special because it is endemic to New Zealand. This means you won't find it naturally anywhere else in the world! Besides the place where it was first found near Nelson, scientists have also collected these moths in other areas. These include Gordon's Nob near Nelson, Seaward Moss in Invercargill, and places like Bottle Lake and Waikuku in Canterbury.

Glyphipterix necopina Moth Behaviour

Scientists have observed that the Glyphipterix necopina moth is most commonly seen during January. This suggests that January might be a key time for their activity or when they are most numerous.

Glyphipterix necopina Moth Habitat

You can find these moths living in different kinds of places. They like marshy areas in valleys where there are lots of small plants. They also live in dry, mountainous areas.

Conservation Status

The Glyphipterix necopina moth has been checked by the New Zealand Threat Classification System. It has been given the status of "Not Threatened." This means that, for now, this moth is not considered to be at risk of extinction.