Guava bud moth facts for kids
The guava bud moth (scientific name: Stictea ejectana) is a small moth from the family Tortricidae. This family includes many types of moths, often called "leafrollers" because their caterpillars sometimes roll up leaves. This particular moth was first described by Francis Walker in 1863.
Quick facts for kids Guava bud moth |
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About the Guava Bud Moth
The guava bud moth is known for its interesting life cycle and where it lives. It's a small creature, but it plays a part in the ecosystems of the places it calls home.
Where Do They Live?
You can find the guava bud moth in many different places around the world. They live on islands like Fiji, Samoa, the Marquesas Archipelago, Tahiti, and Rapa Iti. They are also found in the southern Mariana Islands and the Philippines. Further south, they live in New Caledonia, New Zealand, and parts of Australia, including New South Wales, Tasmania, and Western Australia.
What Do They Look Like?
Adult guava bud moths have a wingspan of about 20 millimeters (which is about 0.8 inches). Their bodies and wings are mostly brown. Their front wings have a detailed and complex pattern, which helps them blend in with their surroundings.
What Do They Eat?
The young moths, called larvae or caterpillars, feed on several types of plants. They enjoy eating:
- Thryptomene calycina
- Psidium guajava (the common guava plant)
- Psidium littorale (also known as strawberry guava)
- Syzygium jambos (the rose apple tree)
- Eugenia uniflora (the Surinam cherry)
- Metrosideros collina
These plants provide the larvae with the food they need to grow and change into adult moths.
