Gravitcornutia cuspis facts for kids

Gravitcornutia cuspis is a small, interesting type of moth. It belongs to a group of moths called the Tortricidae family. Scientists first described this moth in 2003. You can find Gravitcornutia cuspis living in the beautiful country of Ecuador, specifically in the Morona-Santiago Province.

What is Gravitcornutia cuspis?

Gravitcornutia cuspis is a specific kind of moth. Moths are flying insects that are closely related to butterflies. They are part of a large group of insects called Lepidoptera. This group includes all moths and butterflies.

Meet the Tortricidae Family

Gravitcornutia cuspis is a member of the Tortricidae family. This is a very large family of moths. They are often called "leafroller moths." This is because their caterpillars often roll up leaves. They use silk to create a safe, rolled-up home. This protects them while they eat and grow.

Where Does it Live?

This special moth lives in Ecuador. Ecuador is a country in South America. It is known for its amazing variety of plants and animals. The Gravitcornutia cuspis moth has been found in the Morona-Santiago Province. This area is in the eastern part of Ecuador. It has many different habitats, like rainforests. These rich environments are perfect for many insect species.

How Was it Discovered?

Scientists Razowski and Pelz officially described Gravitcornutia cuspis in 2003. When scientists "describe" a species, it means they give it a scientific name. They also write down all its unique features. This helps other scientists identify and study the species. This process is very important for understanding Earth's biodiversity.

Moths: Tiny Wonders of the Night

Moths are fascinating insects. Most moths are active at night. They use their antennae to smell flowers and find mates. Moths play a vital role in nature. They help pollinate plants, just like bees. They are also a food source for many animals. These include bats, birds, and spiders.

Life Cycle of a Moth

Moths go through a complete metamorphosis. This means they change a lot during their lives.

• Egg: A female moth lays tiny eggs.
• Larva: The eggs hatch into larvae. These larvae are called caterpillars. Caterpillars spend their time eating and growing. They shed their skin several times.
• Pupa: After growing, the caterpillar forms a pupa. For many moths, this stage is called a cocoon. Inside the pupa, the caterpillar changes into an adult moth.
• Adult: The adult moth emerges from the pupa. Its main job is to find a mate and lay eggs. Then the cycle starts all over again.

See also

In Spanish: Gravitcornutia cuspis para niños