Kiwaia pharetria facts for kids

Kiwaia pharetria is a small moth that belongs to the family Gelechiidae. It was first described by a scientist named Edward Meyrick in 1885. This special moth is endemic to New Zealand, which means it is only found there and nowhere else in the world!

Appearance of the Kiwaia Moth

This moth is quite small. Its wingspan is usually between 13 and 17 millimeters. That is about half an inch to two-thirds of an inch wide.

Forewings and Patterns

The front wings, called forewings, are a pale yellowish-brown color. They often have faint brownish-yellow dots or streaks. These streaks tend to follow the veins of the wings. Sometimes, there might be a clearer streak near the tip of the wing. You might also see a few scattered black scales. These scales can also gather along the wing veins.

Special Spots

The forewings also have three small black spots. These spots are sometimes hard to see. The first spot is before the middle of the wing. The second spot is on a fold, a bit before the first one. The third spot is located beyond the middle of the wing. The front and back edges of the wing tips also have faint black dots.

Hindwings

The back wings, called hindwings, are a whitish-grey color.

What the Larvae Eat

The young moths, known as larvae, have a specific diet. They feed on plants from the Carmichaelia species. These plants are also native to New Zealand.