Hierodoris torrida facts for kids

Hierodoris torrida is a special kind of moth that belongs to the family Oecophoridae. This moth is found only in New Zealand, which means it is endemic there. Because it's so rare, the Department of Conservation has classified it as "At Risk, Relict." This means it's a species that needs our help to survive.

About the Hierodoris torrida Moth

This section tells you how scientists named and studied the Hierodoris torrida moth.

How it was Named

The Hierodoris torrida moth was officially named by a scientist named Robert J. B. Hoare in 2005. But its story goes back even further! The very first time this moth was collected was by Stella Hudson in a place called Upper Hutt in Wellington.

Later, in 1939, another scientist named George Hudson wrote about it in his book, A supplement to the butterflies and moths of New Zealand. At that time, he called it Hierodoris frigida. The original moth specimen, which is called the "type specimen," is kept safe at the New Zealand Arthropod Collection. This specimen helps scientists compare and identify other moths.

What the Hierodoris torrida Moth Looks Like

The Hierodoris torrida moth looks a lot like its close relatives, Hierodoris polita and H. frigida. But there are a few ways to tell them apart!

How to Identify H. torrida

You can tell H. torrida from H. polita because H. torrida does not have a white band (called a fascia) on its front wings. Also, H. torrida is not as yellow as H. frigida. Another clue is where you find them. H. torrida usually lives in different places than its relatives.

Where the Hierodoris torrida Moth Lives

As we mentioned, this moth is endemic to New Zealand. This means it's found nowhere else in the world!

Moth Habitats in New Zealand

You can find Hierodoris torrida in the southern parts of the North Island, specifically in Rangitikei and Wellington. It also lives in the eastern parts of the South Island, in places like the Marlborough Sounds, Kaikoura, and the Mid and South Canterbury areas.

Biology and Life Cycle of the Moth

Scientists are still learning a lot about the Hierodoris torrida moth.

Unknown Life Stages

Right now, we don't know much about the early life stages of this moth, like what its larvae (caterpillars) look like or what they eat. Much of the moth's full life cycle is still a mystery that scientists are working to solve!

Moth's Food and Home

Every animal needs food and a place to live. For the Hierodoris torrida moth, some of these details are still being discovered.

Plant Hosts and Preferred Habitat

The specific plants that the larvae of H. torrida eat are not yet known. However, we do know that the adult moths prefer to live in lowland forest areas. These forests provide the right environment for them to fly and find mates.

Protecting the Hierodoris torrida Moth

Because this moth is so special and only found in New Zealand, it's important to protect it.

Conservation Status

The Hierodoris torrida moth is listed under the New Zealand Threat Classification System. It is classified as "At Risk, Relict." This means that while it might not be in immediate danger of disappearing, its population is small or found in only a few places, making it vulnerable. Protecting its forest habitats, like Riccarton Bush where it has been found, is very important for its future.

Images for kids

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  Riccarton Bush, a place where H. torrida has been found.