Gymnobathra ambigua facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Gymnobathra ambigua |
|
|---|---|
| Conservation status | |
 Nationally Critical (NZ TCS) |
|
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | |
| Phylum: | |
| Class: | |
| Order: | |
| Family: |
Oecophoridae
|
| Genus: | |
| Species: |
G. ambigua
|
| Binomial name | |
| Gymnobathra ambigua (Philpott, 1926)
|
|
| Synonyms | |
|
|
The Gymnobathra ambigua is a tiny moth that belongs to the family Oecophoridae. This special moth lives only in New Zealand, meaning it is endemic there. Sadly, it is considered "Nationally Critical" by the Department of Conservation. This means it is very close to disappearing forever.
Contents
What is Gymnobathra ambigua?
This small moth is part of the Gymnobathra group. Moths are Insects, just like butterflies, but they are usually active at night. The Gymnobathra ambigua is one of many amazing creatures that call New Zealand home.
How Scientists Name Animals
Scientists give special names to all living things. This helps everyone know exactly which animal or plant they are talking about.
The First Name
This moth was first described in 1926 by a scientist named Alfred Philpott. He gave it the name Barea ambigua. He studied male moths found near Horseshoe Lake in Christchurch.
Changing Names
Later, in 1988, another scientist named John S. Dugdale looked at the moth again. He decided it fit better into a different group, or genus, called Gymnobathra. So, its name changed to Gymnobathra ambigua. Sometimes, scientists discuss if a name is correct. They might think one moth is actually the same as another. The original example specimen, called the holotype, is kept safe at the Canterbury Museum.
Where This Moth Lives
The Gymnobathra ambigua moth is only found in New Zealand. This makes it very unique!
Specific Locations
Scientists have found this moth in a few places around Christchurch. These include areas like Spreydon, Bottle Lake, and Riccarton Bush. Finding them in these specific spots helps scientists understand where they can survive.
Why This Moth Needs Help
The Gymnobathra ambigua has a "Nationally Critical" conservation status. This is the highest level of threat in New Zealand.
New Zealand's Threat System
New Zealand uses a special system called the New Zealand Threat Classification System. This system helps them keep track of animals and plants that are in danger. When an animal is "Nationally Critical," it means there are very few of them left. They are at high risk of becoming extinct.
Hard to Find
Scientists also say this moth is "sparse and data poor." This means it's hard to find them in the wild. It also means that scientists don't have much information about them. This makes it harder to know exactly how to protect them. Protecting these special moths helps keep New Zealand's unique nature healthy.
