Kiwaia lithodes facts for kids

Kiwaia lithodes is a small moth that belongs to the Gelechiidae family. It was first described by a scientist named Edward Meyrick in 1886. This special moth can only be found in New Zealand.

Meet the Kiwaia lithodes Moth

The Kiwaia lithodes moth is a unique insect found only in New Zealand. It's part of a large group of moths and butterflies called Lepidoptera. Scientists study these creatures to learn more about our planet's amazing biodiversity.

What Does It Look Like?

This moth is quite small, with a wingspan of about 16 millimeters. That's roughly the size of a small coin! Its front wings, called forewings, are mostly grey. They look like they've been lightly sprinkled with tiny blue-white dots.

You might also notice three darker spots on its forewings. One spot is before the middle of the wing. Another is on a fold, slightly before the first spot. The third spot is a bit past the middle of the wing. The back wings, or hindwings, are a lighter whitish-grey color.

Where Does It Live?

The Kiwaia lithodes moth is endemic to New Zealand. This means it naturally lives only in New Zealand and nowhere else in the world. It's an important part of New Zealand's unique wildlife.

What Does It Eat?

Like many moths, the Kiwaia lithodes moth has different diets at different stages of its life. When it's a larva (a caterpillar), it feeds on a specific plant. The larvae of this moth enjoy eating Raoulia australis. This plant is also native to New Zealand.