Heterocrossa exochana facts for kids

Heterocrossa exochana is a type of moth that belongs to the family Carposinidae. This moth is special because it is found only in New Zealand. When a plant or animal is found only in one specific place, we say it is endemic to that area.

Discovering the Heterocrossa exochana Moth

How Scientists Named This Moth

This moth was first described by a scientist named Edward Meyrick in 1888. He found the moth in Nelson during January.

Over the years, scientists sometimes change how they classify animals. In 1922, Meyrick thought this moth belonged to a different group, or "genus," called Carposina. But later, in 1978, another scientist named Elwood Zimmerman looked closely at the moth's body parts. He argued that Heterocrossa should be its own group again.

Finally, in 1988, John S. Dugdale officially put the species back into the Heterocrossa genus. The very first specimen of this moth, called the holotype, is kept safe at the Natural History Museum, London.

What the Heterocrossa exochana Moth Looks Like

Describing the Female Moth

Edward Meyrick described the female moth in detail. It is about 21 millimeters long. Its head and body are a pale yellowish-white color. The moth's mouthparts, called palpi, are dark brownish-gray on the bottom and yellowish-white on top.

Its antennae, lower body, and legs are also yellowish-white. However, the front legs have some dark brownish-gray coloring. The front wings are long and slightly curved. They are a pale yellowish-white with about ten small, scattered black dots. There are also some blurry black dots near the edge of the wing. The back wings and their fringes are also yellowish-white.

Where the Heterocrossa exochana Moth Lives

This moth is found only in New Zealand. Besides Nelson, where it was first discovered, it has been seen in many other places. These include Masterton, Wellington, Christchurch, Dunedin, and Invercargill. It has also been found in the beautiful areas of Fiordland and Hawkes Bay.

Life and Habits of the Heterocrossa exochana Moth

When Adult Moths Are Active

Adult Heterocrossa exochana moths can be seen flying from September all the way through May. These moths are often attracted to light, so you might spot them near lamps at night.

What the Moth Caterpillars Eat

The young moths, which are called larvae or caterpillars, have a specific diet. They like to eat the fruits of plants from the Muehlenbeckia family.

Images for kids

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  Illustration of H. exochana by George Hudson.