List of moths of Australia (Choreutidae) facts for kids
Choreutidae is a family of small, colorful moths. They are sometimes called "metalmark moths" because many species have shiny, metallic-looking scales on their wings. These moths are found all over the world, including Australia. This article lists the different types of Choreutidae moths that live in Australia. It also helps you find more information about each species.
Contents
What Are Choreutidae Moths?
Choreutidae moths are usually quite small. Their wingspan is often less than 2.5 centimeters (1 inch). They have bright patterns on their wings. These patterns can include spots, stripes, and shiny patches. Some species look a lot like other insects, like spiders or even some types of flies. This helps them avoid predators.
Appearance and Size
Most Choreutidae moths have broad, rounded wings. Their bodies are often slender. The metallic scales on their wings can reflect light. This makes them look very striking. The colors can range from browns and grays to vibrant oranges and blues.
Where Do They Live?
Choreutidae moths live in many different habitats. You can find them in forests, woodlands, and even gardens. They are often active during the day. This is different from many other moths, which fly at night. In Australia, they are found in various regions. Their specific habitat depends on the plant they feed on.
Life Cycle of Choreutidae Moths
Like all moths, Choreutidae moths go through a complete life cycle. This includes four main stages: egg, larva (caterpillar), pupa, and adult moth.
Eggs and Larvae
Female moths lay tiny eggs on specific plants. These plants are called "host plants." When the eggs hatch, small caterpillars emerge. These caterpillars are the larval stage. They spend their time eating the host plant's leaves or stems. This helps them grow quickly. Some Choreutidae caterpillars are leaf-miners. This means they tunnel inside the leaves. Others might roll leaves together for protection.
Pupae and Adults
Once a caterpillar is fully grown, it changes into a pupa. This is a resting stage. Inside the pupa, the caterpillar transforms into an adult moth. After a period, the adult moth emerges from the pupa. The adult moths then fly, mate, and lay eggs. Their main job is to reproduce.
What Do Choreutidae Moths Eat?
Adult Choreutidae moths usually feed on nectar from flowers. This gives them energy. However, the caterpillars are the ones that do most of the eating. They are herbivores, meaning they eat plants.
Host Plants
Each species of Choreutidae moth often has specific host plants. These can include plants from families like Moraceae (like fig trees) or Urticaceae (like nettles). The caterpillars are very important for the moth's survival. They get all the nutrients they need from these plants to grow.
Australian Choreutidae Species
Australia is home to many unique Choreutidae species. These moths are divided into different groups called subfamilies. Here are some of the species found in Australia:
Brenthiinae
- Brenthia albimaculana (Snellen, 1875)
- Brenthia quadriforella Zeller, 1877
Choreutinae
- Asterivora homotypa (Meyrick, 1907)
- Asterivora lampadias (Meyrick, 1907)
- Choreutis basalis (R. Felder & Rogenhofer, 1875)
- Choreutis emplecta (Turner, 1941)
- Choreutis limonias (Meyrick, 1907)
- Choreutis melanopepla (Meyrick, 1880)
- Choreutis metallica (Turner, 1898)
- Choreutis ophiosema (Lower, 1896)
- Choreutis periploca (Turner, 1913)
- Choreutis sycopola (Meyrick, 1880)
- Saptha exanthista (Meyrick, 1910)
- Saptha libanota (Meyrick, 1910)
- Tebenna micalis (Mann, 1857)
